Founded in 1938, the National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA) is a trade association that reprersents the interests of more than 2,750 beer distributors nationwide before government and the public.

Beer distributors provide transportation, refrigerated storage and maintenance for perishable beer from the time it leaves the brewer until it arrives at the retailer.

Beer distributors are locally owned and operated independent businesses that contribute in numerous ways to the communities that they serve. Beer distributors throughout the country employ more than 90,000 Americans and provide these employees with great wages and benefits.

The beer industry as a whole, which includes brewers, distributors and licensed retailers, is a major contributor to the U.S. economy. Directly and indirectly, the beer industry employs approximately 1.78 million Americans, providing them with $55 billion in wages and benefits. The industry provides $36 billion in business, personal and consumption taxes.

Alcohol is not like other consumer goods; a point well illustrated by the fact that it is the subject of two constitutional amendments. Alcohol beverages are unique, and unfortunately, can have consequences if abused by adults or consumed by those underage. 

Distributors work with state regulators to provide a clear chain of custody and accountability in the sale of malt beverage products because they sell products only to licensed retailers. 

The same regulations that provide accountability in beer sales also ensure states can efficiently collect taxes on alcohol products. Because distributors monitor the sale of the product from the time the beer leaves the brewery until it arrives at a licensed retail outlet, distributors are often best equipped to collect state taxes. For this reason, many states find it easier to collect taxes from a limited number of federally licensed beer distributors than the hundreds or thousands of retail establishments in their state that sell alcohol products. 

The beer distribution system also makes the most economic sense. It provides the best method for smaller breweries to get their beers into a diverse marketplace, providing consumers with an immense amount of choice of beer at a great value. This system provides a level playing field for all brewers and all retailers.