Denver , CO – The National Beer Wholesalers Association and the Brewers Association today named Monarch Beverage of Indianapolis, Indiana, Craft Beer Distributor of the Year at the Great American Beer Festival taking place in Denver, Colorado. Monarch Beverage is the first recipient of the award which recognizes the American beer distributor who does the most to market, sell and promote craft beer in their market.

Monarch Beverage was honored for its outstanding service to craft breweries which includes devoting an entire division of the company exclusively to craft beer. Its “World Class Beverages” division has its own state-of-the-art Web site, www.worldclassbeverages.com, which serves to educate and assist customers. The company has driven tremendous increase in the growth in craft beer sales in its area and is currently expanding its World Class Distribution Network to additional distributors across the country that demonstrate advanced craft beer marketing efforts.

Awards were also presented to two other distributorships that have shown dedication to the craft beer category. The Craft Beer Distributor Achievement Award was given to Louis Glunz Beer Inc. of Lincolnwood, Illinois. Cavalier Distributing of Blue Ash, Ohio, was recognized with the Craft Beer Distributor Recognition Award.

“The tremendous growth in craft beer sales represents a strong partnership between craft brewers and beer distributors,” said NBWA President Craig Purser. “We’re pleased to honor those distributors – large, medium and small – that have gone above and beyond in helping to strengthen the craft beer segment.”

Purser said, “Americans have asked for choice and variety in the marketplace. Craft brewers have answered that call with quality beer brands and distributors are using their first-class distribution networks to ensure a wide selection of craft brews on store shelves and bar taps throughout the country.”

Brewers Association President Charlie Papazian said, “America’s beer drinkers are experiencing unprecedented choice and value in the marketplace. That is due in large part to the valuable service that beer distributors provide to craft brewers. The continuing efforts of beer distributors to educate retailers and consumers about different beers has helped expand the market for craft brands and build widespread enthusiasm for craft beer. Congratulations to Monarch Beverage, Louis Glunz Beer and Cavalier Distributing for promoting craft beer and making consumer choice a top priority.”

The following distributorships were finalists in the Craft Beer Distributor of the Year competition:

• Franklin Distributors, Inc. – South Windsor, Connecticut
• DBI Beverage - San Francisco – San Francisco, California
• Oak Beverages Inc. – Blauvelt, New York
• Origlio Beverage – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
• Columbia Distributing – Portland, Oregon
• The L. Knife & Son Companies – Kingston, Massachusetts
• Shore Point Distributing – Adelphia, New Jersey
• Little Guy Distributing – Phoenix, Arizona
• Wil Fischer Distributing – Springfield, Missouri
• Burke Distributing – Randolph, Massachusetts

Beer distributors serve as the critical link in the American beer distribution system which allows smaller, more unique beers a vehicle to market, provides consumers with the choice they desire at a great value and ensures a safe and orderly marketplace.