Brewing Success: 10-Point Distributor Checklist for Craft Breweries

A few years ago, craft brews were exceptional. Today there are many more craft breweries in the US, each telling their own story with their unique brew. What are the key items you need to check off your list to be picked up by a distributor?

From the home brewer to the small- or medium-sized craft brewery, one thing all beer folks share is passion. While passion may help you get your start in the beer world, it’s not enough to elevate your brand to the next level and put it in front of consumers. To do that, you need a distributor. And while passion is key in scoring that relationship, you’re going to need much more in order to seal the deal.

What does a distributor look for in a craft brand? This 10-point checklist will help sum of some of the key factors that cause distributors to give new brands a chance.

  1. Excellent Quality

It may seem like a given, but it would be absurd not to emphasize how much distributors seek out really good beer. In such a saturated beer market, there is a large number of truly amazing brands out there. Your beer has to be more than just good — it needs to be absolutely exceptional to stand out from the crowd.

2. Striving for Consistency

When it comes to craft beer, quality is about more than perfecting an amazing product. It’s also about consistency and delivering top-notch quality with every batch, for every sip, in every can, bottle, and keg that goes out. It only takes one bad experience to lose a consumer forever.

3. Shared Company Values

The next thing a distributor will look at is your company’s values. They want to know if they can get along with you. Do you think the way they do? Do you share the same vision? They’ll want to understand what your brand identity is, as well, so be sure you have a strong one and are able to effectively communicate it. Have an elevator pitch ready to go. A distributor will only want to take on a brand that they feel their consumers will be able to connect with.

4. Attractive Numbers

A distributor will also look into your footprint and growth trajectory. Are you looking ahead? What plans do you have for the long-term? If so, what strategies do you have in place in order to achieve long-term success in a highly competitive and fast-paced market? A distributor doesn’t want to do a lot of work for a brand only to have them suddenly pull out of their market.

For more, visit BTN Academy.

Written by

Connecting the beverage alcohol industry by bringing wineries, breweries, distilleries, wine importers, beer distributors, beverage and wine brokers together.

Welcome to a place where words matter. On Medium, smart voices and original ideas take center stage - with no ads in sight. Watch
Follow all the topics you care about, and we’ll deliver the best stories for you to your homepage and inbox. Explore
Get unlimited access to the best stories on Medium — and support writers while you’re at it. Just $5/month. Upgrade