Craft Brewing and Distilling News for February 5, 2018

•Portland, Oregon’s Craft Brew Alliance (CBA) has reported a net sales rise of 2% to $207.5 million for the year ended December 31. The group’s depletions were down 1% on the year prior, as shipments fell 4%. CBA’s strongest brand continued to be its Kona franchise, whose flagship Big Wave Golden Ale posted overall depletions growth of 23% for 2017, boosted by a 60% increase in international depletions. Kona’s Hanalei Island IPA, which debuted nationwide last year, saw similarly robust sales. Meanwhile, CBA noted that the company is working to “stabilize” its Widmer Brothers and Redhook brands. CBA’s portfolio also includes the Appalachian Mountain, Cisco, Omission, Square Mile Cider Co. and Wynwood brands.

•Republic National Distributing Co. has agreed to distribute Eastside Distilling’s Redneck Riviera Whiskey brand across seven southern states: Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, Florida and North Carolina. A collaboration between Eastside and country musician John Rich, Redneck Riviera is also distributed in Oregon and Tennessee. The brand is being backed by TV, radio and print advertising, as well as a multi-city tour by Rich.

Tagged : CBA, Craft Brew Alliance, Kona, Republic National Distributing Co., RNDC

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