America's Beer Distributors

Download the 2008 Annual Review (PDF) Beer distributors have a long and proud history, and in 2008 – on the 75th anniversary of the regulatory system that governs this industry – NBWA sought every opportunity to educate lawmakers, regulators, media and the public about the importance of the state-based alcohol distribution system and how it works today to keep citizens and communities safe.

After 75 years, beer distributors are still privately-owned firms with small business values. While many industries are now controlled by Wall Street, beer distributors are proud to answer to Main Street. The 2,850 licensed beer distributorships in every state, congressional district and media market across the country employ 95,000 hard-working Americans, paying them solid wages and providing great benefits including companyprovided healthcare for employees and their families.

2008 brought many changes, challenges and opportunities in the beer industry. There’s no doubt that it was the most dynamic year in beer in the 75 years since the repeal of Prohibition. All the changes that occurred at the supplier level – from the acquisition of the country’s largest brewer to the combination of the nation’s second and third largest brewers – served as a strong reminder of the importance of beer distributor independence. 2008 showed distributors that even through all the changes, this industry remains unified and strong and continues to provide American consumers with the greatest choice and variety of beer in the world, all within a transparent and accountable system.

Throughout the next 75 years of this great industry, NBWA will continue its work with a wide range of groups to further distributor interests and protect the state-based system of alcohol regulation that beer distributors know is in the public’s best interest. Distributors know that if they don’t tell their story, no one else will. And it’s a great story to tell. As you’ll see through this Annual Review, beer distributors are their own best advocates and tell their story every day through their above-and-beyond business practices and community involvement.

We hope you enjoy this look into a year in this industry we’re so proud to work in every day. Cheers to the next 75 years!