America's Beer Distributors

Welcome to National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA) Web site! NBWA is proud to represent the more than 2,850 licensed beer distributors throughout the United States.

America's beer distributors have operations in every state and congressional district in the country and employ more than 95,000 hard-working Americans. They work hard every day to ensure that the greatest choice, variety and selection of beer is delivered safely and efficiently to store shelves and bar taps. And distributors do more than just deliver beer. They are civic and business leaders who are active in their communities. Beer distributors promote responsible consumption, combat drunk driving and work to eliminate underage drinking.

Beer is no doubt one of life's simple pleasures, and it has an important and unique place in American society. Few people stop to think about how that ice cold beer you enjoy at the end of the day makes its way from a brewer or importer to the shelf of your favorite store, or your favorite restaurant or bar. Beer distributors are a critical link in a three-tier distribution system, regulated by the states, that is designed to provide a tremendous variety of beer brands and styles to consumers at a great value. While delivering this wide variety, distributors also make sure that states receive their fair share of tax revenue and alcohol products are kept out of the hands of those not of legal drinking age.

There are nearly 13,000 different brands of beer available in the U.S. today - few other products boast such a tremendous selection. It's because of the very important role beer distributors play - giving smaller, more unique beers a vehicle to market - that consumers enjoy the selection they desire at a great price. On behalf of America's more than 2,850 licensed independent beer distributors, welcome to the NBWA Web site and thank you for learning more about what we do and who we are. Cheers!