ARMADA, Mich. – The largest craft hard cider company in the Midwest will take on the Southeast this spring. After a healthy 2017, with reports of 79% growth and new chain placements secured, Blake’s looks to fill a hole in the craft cider market.
“We’ve been selective with which states to bring our products into, we’ve done the research and analyzed each market individually and the potential in Georgia, Tennessee, and South Carolina is robust,” says National Sales Director, Aaron Lanctot. “Our strong relationship with Whole Foods and Harris Teeter has and will continue to play a strong part in our growth.”
These chains have agreed to bring Blake’s into most locations within the new states, whether it be a flagship like Flannel Mouth, El Chavo or a seasonal selection like Tonic, a 6.5% abv cucumber and ginger cider.
The eccentric cider company’s footprint grows to 16 states, following a Minnesota, Pennsylvania, and Alabama launch in ’17. Blake’s will kick off Georgia first on February 5th, partnering with the largest MillerCoors house in the state, United Distributors. Mike Mudler, Vice President and General Manager of United, stated “We are thrilled to announce our partnership with the innovative and authentic craft cidery from Michigan, Blake’s Hard Cider Company. With their farm to cider story and wide variety of choices, we know Blake’s will rock in Atlanta.”
Blake’s has partnered with Greenco and Comer Distributing for the South Carolina launch the week of February 19th. “Hard cider is one of the fastest growing segments of the beer and flavored malt landscape and we feel customers are continuing to seek out different varieties and twists to ciders. We are happy to be a part of Blake’s success in getting great products in the hands of thirsty consumers.” says Chip Comer of Comer Distributing.
Tennessee will launch the week of March 5th with tastings, release parties and other events hosted by the Blake’s team who will be in town the entire week. Blake’s has chosen Empire Distributors to take them state wide. Owner and founder Andrew Blake added, “With a growing interest in craft in the South and a lack of authentic options, we felt that Blake’s was a natural fit. We are excited about the reception we’ve received in other southern markets like North Carolina, and look to expand our goal of delivering genuine craft hard cider from our independent family farm.”
Blake’s Hard Cider is available in six-pack cans, draft, six-pack bottles, and 500mL bottles. For more information on Blake’s Hard Cider, go to www.blakeshardcider.com.