Contact: Julia Herz
julia@brewersassociation.org
(303) 447-0816 ext. 113
ALEXANDRIA, VA – The National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA) and the Brewers Association (BA) are now seeking nominations for the 3rd Annual Craft Beer Distributor of the Year Award. The Craft Beer Distributor of the Year Award is presented annually to a beer distributor who actively markets, sells and promotes craft beer. The award also recognizes the important partnership between craft brewers and beer distributors in showcasing the tremendous choice and variety of beer available to American consumers – especially the dynamic beers from the craft beer segment. This year’s award will be presented at the Great American Beer Festival, hosted by BA September 24 – 26, in Denver, Colorado.
Beer distributors and craft brewers can nominate any distributor they believe is deserving of the award. Nominations will be accepted until 5:00 p.m. on July 31, 2009. For entry rules and nomination forms, visit http://nbwa.org/Industry_Technology/distributor_of_the_year.aspx.
“Craft beer has generated an unprecedented level of excitement among American consumers about the array of types, styles and flavors beer offers,” said NBWA President Craig Purser. “It’s hard to name another industry that has experienced the tremendous growth that craft beer has over the past several years. Beer distributors take great pride in selling craft beer and serving as the vehicle to market for these unique brands which help to provide unparalleled choice and variety to consumers.”
Brewers Association President Charlie Papazian applauds beer distributors for working with small brewers to give craft beer a presence in the marketplace. “Without America’s beer distributors, we wouldn’t be seeing the enthusiasm for such a wide range of American beer,” said Papazian. “This award recognizes the extra efforts beer distributors are making to ensure craft brews are available on the same store shelves and bar taps as national and multinational brands.”
In addition to the Craft Beer Distributor of the Year Award, a Craft Beer Distributor Achievement Award and a Craft Beer Distributor Recognition Award will also be presented to the first and second runners-up.
Beer distributors serve as the critical link in the three-tier beer distribution system. For more than 75 years, this effective state regulatory system has provided choice, value and safety through a transparent and accountable chain of custody.
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The National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA) represents the interests of 2,800 licensed, independent beer distributor operations in every state, congressional district and media market across the country. Beer distributors are committed to ensuring alcohol is provided safely and responsibly to consumers of legal drinking age through the three-tier, state-based system of alcohol regulation and distribution. To learn more about America’s Beer Distributors, visit http://nbwa.org.
Based in Boulder, Colo., U.S.A., the Brewers Association (BA) is the not-for-profit trade and education association for American craft brewers and the community of beer enthusiasts. Visit the website: www.beertown.org to learn more. The association’s activities include events and publishing: World Beer Cup®; Great American Beer Festival®; Craft Brewers Conference and BrewExpo America®; National Homebrewers Conference; National Homebrew Competition; American Craft Beer Week (May); Zymurgy magazine; The New Brewer magazine; and books on beer and brewing. The Brewers Association has an additional membership division of 14,000+ homebrewers: American Homebrewers Association.