In a time when many craft breweries are retracting their distribution footprint to achieve better focus as the segment becomes more competitive, some are instead looking to gain sales by expanding into new markets. Bell’s Brewery which was acquired by Lion, a division of Japan’s Kirin, is adding new markets by expanding into the states of Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Washington and Utah.
The expansion brings a total of 49 states that Bell’s sells in.
“Expanding our footprint to become a national brand is a top priority this year, and we can’t wait to share Bell’s beer with more fans across the country,” Carrie Yunker, Bell’s executive vice president, said in a statement published in Crain’s. “We’re particularly excited about entering the Pacific Northwest market, a notably strong craft beer market already, where folks have been asking for Bell’s for decades.”
Bell’s sold to Australia-based Lion Little World Beverages Inc., back in 2021. The company also purchased New Belgium Brewing Co. The Pacific Northwest expansion included deals with 10 wholesalers that also carry New Belgium Brewing products.
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