Left Hand Brewing Co. today announced that it has hired Thomas Ruprecht as national chain sales manager, a newly created position for the brewery. Formerly with New Planet Brewing, Ruprecht will be a key component of Left Hand’s team as it looks grow sales and further develop partner relationships in 2014.
“As Left Hand expands production capacity and explores new markets, solid chain relationships will be critical in sustaining our success,” said Ruprecht in a company statement. “Together with our distributor partners, we’ll be working as a team with chains to identify and maximize opportunity.”
In 2013, the brewery produced 65,000 barrels, of a 32 percent increase over the year prior. The brewery expects to increase production by at least another 15,000 barrels in 2014.
Additionally, Left Hand is targeting a 30 percent increase in sales for the year ahead.
Earlier this month, the brewery expanded distribution to Maryland, a move that increased its footprint to 27 total territories.
“Ultimately, our goal is to get Left Hand to the customer,” added Ruprecht. “It’s all about finding where the craft beer drinker is shopping and getting to them as soon as possible with the beers that they are asking for.”
Ruprecht wasn’t the only hire in this first quarter, as the company increased its staff from 85 to 90 people total, per the company statement.
Formerly with New Planet Brewing (NPB), Thomas Ruprecht comes to Left Hand with intensive national industry experience. During his time with NPB, Ruprecht cultivated their chain sales program, expanding distribution and growing the NPB sales force. Joining the Left Hand team, Ruprecht will take on a similar challenge, capitalizing on chain growth opportunities for the Top 50 craft brewery. Coming off a 32% barrelage increase in 2013 with production of 65K bbls, Left Hand is striving for 30% sales growth in 2014. “As Left Hand expands production capacity and explores new markets, solid chain relationships will be critical in sustaining our success.” comments Ruprecht. “Together with our distributor partners, we’ll be working as a team with chains to identify and maximize opportunity.”
With last week’s successful market launch in Maryland and D.C. under his belt, Ruprecht is hitting the ground running towards his next course of action. “Ultimately, our goal is to get Left Hand to the customer. It’s all about finding where the craft beer drinker is shopping and getting to them as soon as possible with the beers that they are asking for.” concludes Ruprecht.