The National Beer Wholesalers Association and the Brewers Association are proud to announce that Powers Distributing Company of Orion, Michigan, has been selected as the 2011 Craft Beer Distributor of the Year. The award, which is in its fifth year, recognizes a beer distributor who does the most to market, promote and sell craft beer. The award was presented jointly by NBWA and BA at the Great American Beer Festival in Denver, Colorado.
In 2004, Powers Distributing Company launched International Beverage Company, a specialty beer division devoted to craft and specialty imported beer, which includes two Certified Cicerones and six Certified Beer Servers in the Cicerone program on staff. The company supports craft beer with social media, an extensive website featuring beer and food pairings and videos on pouring techniques and glassware for different craft beers, beer dinners, tastings, and retail staff training and support. Powers Distributing Company is praised by local brewers for representing their brands to major chain outlets, creating retail demand for their products and exerting marketing efforts that extend well beyond pickup and delivery. Other companies honored were the J.J. Taylor Distributing Florida, Inc. of Tampa, Florida with the Craft Beer Distributor Achievement Award, and Gretz Beer Company of Norristown, Pennsylvania with the Craft Beer Distributor Recognition Award.
“The entrepreneurial spirit of craft brewers continues to add energy and excitement to the American beer industry, and it is this excitement that fuels the more than 1,800 breweries in the U.S.,” said NBWA President Craig Purser. “The craft beer category continues to grow at double digit rates thanks in part to the strong relationship between craft brewers and beer distributors. NBWA is proud to recognize Powers Distributing Company. J.J. Taylor Distributing Florida, Inc. and Gretz Beer Company for their role in strengthening the craft beer segment and bringing American consumers the most extensive choice and variety of beer in the world.”
Charlie Papazian, President of the Brewers Association, added, “As the craft beer segment continues to grow and thrive, independent beer distributors are integral to its success. Distributors like Powers Distributing Company, J.J. Taylor Distributing Florida, Inc. and Gretz Beer Company are key to successfully introducing new beer brands and innovative beer styles to markets across the country.”
