NBWA and BA teaming-up to launch new award

The National Beer Wholesalers Association and the Brewers Association have announced the creation of the Craft Beer Distributor of the Year Award. The award will recognize the beer distributor in America who does the most to market, sell and promote craft beer in their market. A Craft Beer Distributor Achievement Award and Craft Beer Distributor Recognition Award will also be presented.

Craft brewers, beer distributors or representatives of NBWA and the BA are welcome to nominate any distributor they believe deserving of the award. Nominations can be made now through August 15, 2007. For complete information about the award and how to nominate a distributor, please visit www.nbwa.org. Winners will be announced on Saturday afternoon, October 13 at the Great American Beer Festival in Denver, Colorado, October 11-13, 2007.

NBWA President Craig Purser is pleased to see the success craft beer is having. “Beer distributors take great pride in is providing choice and variety in the marketplace. Craft beers have seen double-digit growth in sales each of the past several years,” Purser said. “One reason for this is the quality of product they are offering the consumer. A second reason for their success is the first class distribution network America’s beer distributors provide their products. I am glad we will be recognizing some of the distributors who have gone above and beyond to help strengthen the craft beer segment.”

BA President Charlie Papazian noted that dedicated and educated distributors are essential to the continued success of the craft beer industry. “The availability of craft beers in America has created unprecedented added value for beer drinkers,” Papazian said. “Without the valuable service which beer distributors contribute to access to craft beer we wouldn’t be seeing the enthusiasm for the flavor and diversity of American beer. The continuing pursuit of beer education and enthusiasm by distributors is making US distributors the absolute best in the world. This award recognizes the extra efforts distributors are making on behalf of craft beer.”