River Barrel Distributing adds International Brands after SW Washington Distribution Fallout
With the recent fall-out from the dismantling of Corwin Beverage’s craft distribution portfolio, River Barrel Distribution is beginning to pick up some of the pieces in Western Washington.
Buoy Beer Co.’s wholesale spinoff company River Barrel Distributing has added an international lineup of breweries to their Washington portfolio in a new partnership with Global Beer Network. In just their first three years as a Washington beer distributor, River Barrel has brought on 17 different Oregon and Washington craft beverage brands. The new imported variety of beers includes offerings from Belgium, Austria, Ireland, and Germany to its Western Washington distribution territory.
Global Beer Network is an importer of brands including Stiegl, De Brabandere Browerij, Van Steenberge Browerij, Sullivan’s Brewing Company, Flensburger Brauerei, and Boon Brouwerij. The partnership comes after Corwin Beverage Company sold to Pepsi Co. in March after 82 years of operation. Pepsi was interested in the non-alcoholic distribution portion of the business, and craft beverage distributors Browar Polksa and Kendall’s Pioneer were dismantled leaving many breweries and cideries with no distribution.
“Global Beer is extremely excited to share our passion for our brands with the like-minded members of The River Barrel Team,” says Jay Farias, GBN’s PNW Regional Sales Manager. “Our brands are the embodiment of the place and culture from which they're born. River Barrel is the perfect partner to join us in connecting our breweries with the bars, restaurants and retailers across Western Washington. Our philosophies are aligned.”
The partnership gives River Barrel the opportunity to showcase and share the histories of European breweries that have been around for hundreds of years.
“We’re honored to announce that we’re partnering with Global Beer Network to carry some of their amazing portfolio of imported breweries,” says Joe Cohen, River Barrel Distributing’s Sales Manager. “This marks a significant milestone for River Barrel as we expand our offerings to include some of the finest beers from around the world.”
Some of GBN’s top-selling beverages include Stiegl’s lagers and fruited Radlers, which are perfect for the upcoming summer season, as well as the popular Bavik Super Pils and Bavik Super Wit from De Brabandere.
River Barrel Distributing serves the Western Washington counties of King, Pierce, Thurston, Lewis, Snohomish, Kitsap, Chelan, and Grays Harbor.