Ninkasi Expands Distribution to Utah
Ninkasi Brewing is expanding its distribution footprint once again, this time to Utah. The Oregon-based brewery has inked a deal with General Distributing Company of Salt Lake City for coverage throughout the state, it announced Thursday. Beginning this week, Ninkasi beers will be available throughout Utah in both 12 oz. and 22 oz. bottles. “We are excited to continue to build craft beer culture and community in a state that has a lot of great beer fans, breweries, and of course, all kinds of spectacular recreation,” said Nikos Ridge, Ninkasi co-founder and CEO, in a news release. Ninkasi has broadened its distribution footprint considerably in the last six months: It entered Colorado in December; Alberta, Canada in November and Arizona in September. The company also realigned its wholesale network in the Pacific Northwest last month while simultaneously expanding its presence in Southern California. With the addition of Utah, Ninkasi beers are now sold in nine states.
Great Lakes Lands in Illinois
Great Lakes Brewing plans to grow its presence in Illinois this month as it broadens distribution statewide. The brewery is expanding with Marketplace Selections, its current distributor, to service 44 counties in the southern portion of the state it had yet to tap. Per a release from the Great Lakes, the move aligns with the company’s strategic growth plans to fill out not only Illinois, but also the Metro East suburbs of St. Louis, Mo. Great Lakes beers are available in 13 states and Washington, D.C.
Lakefront Taps North Dakota, Minnesota
Lakefront Brewery has announced plans to expand distribution to North Dakota and western Minnesota. The brewery has signed on with Bergseth Bros Co. for coverage in the new markets. “We are eager to partner with Bergseth Bros,” Lakefront’s director of business development Chris Johnson said in a statement. “Their 60-plus year history selling beer in the North Dakota market means we can count on their reputation and expertise to successfully move our product in this new market.” The increased distribution comes on the heels of several packaging and brewing upgrades at Lakefront, as well as a $1.5 million warehouse expansion, the company said in a release.
White Birch Puts Roots in Michigan
New Hampshire’s White Birch Brewing has expanded distribution to Michigan, according to a report from Flavor574.com. The brewery out of Hooksett, N.H. has partnered with Henry A. Fox Sales for distribution in the state, per the article. “Henry Fox is really proud to be supporting Bill [Herlicka, founder of White Birch] and bringing his beers to the Michigan craft beer scene,” Steve Smith, craft beer specialist at Henry A. Fox, told the website. “We know his beers deserve a place on the shelves and tap lines in Michigan. They fit, not only because of the high quality and unique styles, but also due to the handcrafted nature that Bill brings to his company that Michigan beer drinkers appreciate.”