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Brewers, beer distributors and retailers: together we make up the three-tier distribution system, and together we must we work to strengthen its vitality.
Effectively communicating with our brewer partners
In 2006, NBWA built upon its relationships with suppliers by regularly meeting with brewery leaders and their trade associations. NBWA strengthened its partnership with the Beer Institute and increased collaboration with the nation’s craft brewers who helped to highlight the immense choice and variety of beer available to adult consumers at a great value. For the first time, the program at NBWA’s Annual Convention included a craft brewer panel discussion and also for the first time NBWA participated the Brewers Association’s Great American Beer Festival in Denver, Colorado, an annual event that showcases America’s dynamic brewing culture. NBWA continued its work on three-tier issues with the National Association of Beverage Importers (NABI). Imported beers, as well as domestic craft beers, saw significant sales increases in 2006.
America's licensed retailers
Licensed stores, bars and restaurants are on the
front lines in the sale of malt beverage products.
Performing face-to-face transactions with adult-age
consumers, retailers are an important partner in
strengthening the state-based alcohol distribution
system. In 2006, NBWA worked with the independent
retailers’ trade association, the American
Beverage Licensees (ABL), and assisted in efforts to
keep their economic playing field balanced. Large
retailers interested in weakening state regulations
and the alcohol beverage control system threaten to
gain even greater competitive advantages and muscle
out independent retailers. When independent
retailers suffer at the hand of huge corporations, so
do consumers and small brewers who are impacted
through the loss of choice and convenience as well
as less access to market.
Promoting responsible retailing
Beer distributors are in the unique position of having
a consistent physical presence in our nation’s licensed
retail accounts – entering over a half million stores,
bars and restaurants that exist in America each week.
Because of these regular encounters, distributors
have much to contribute to the responsible retailing
discussion and the states’ efforts to appropriately regulate
alcohol. NBWA increased its participation in
responsible retailing initiatives such as the Responsible
Retailing Forum (RFF), which brings together
all three tiers of the licensed beverage industry as
well as regulators, control advocates and the public
health community to examine responsible retailing
practices and policies. NBWA also worked with
the Responsible Hospitality Institute (RHI), which
provides resources to facilitate cooperation among
key stakeholders in order to maximize economic,
employment and social benefits of hospitality and
tourism while reducing risks to public safety and the
quality of life of residents
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