Origlio Beverage Named as 2009 Craft Beer Distributor of the Year

National Distributing Company of New Mexico and Muller Inc. also Recognized for Exceptional Efforts to Market, Promote and Sell Craft Beer

DENVER, CO – The National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA) and the Brewers Association (BA) are proud to announce that Origlio Beverage of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, has been selected as the 2009 Craft Beer Distributor of the Year. The 2009 Craft Beer Distributor of the Year Award, which is in its third year, recognizes a beer distributor who does the most to market, promote and sell craft beer. NBWA and BA presented the award jointly at the Great American Beer Festival September 26 in Denver, Colorado.

Origlio Beverage distributes more than 400 labels of craft beer from 47 craft beer suppliers. The company has structured its Web site, www.origlio.com, to provide consumers of legal drinking age with access to beer and food pairing suggestions, articles on beer and food, “beer wisdom,” beer style guidelines and links to an award-winning beer writer – all of which highlight the tremendous diversity of tastes, styles and flavors provided by craft brews. Additionally, Origlio goes above-and-beyond by hosting local events that highlight craft beers and providing craft suppliers with customized thematic and seasonal marketing tools. Origlio also publishes Draught Lines, a magazine that reports on the Philadelphia craft beer scene and how consumers can be more involved in craft beer.

National Distributing Company of New Mexico in Albuquerque, New Mexico, was also honored with the Craft Beer Distributor Achievement Award and Muller, Inc., of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, received the Craft Beer Distributor Recognition Award.

“It’s remarkable that the United States has nearly 13,000 labels of beer and more than 1,500 breweries today, especially when you consider there were just a few dozen breweries in the 1970s,” said Craig Purser, president of NBWA. “The craft beer category continues to grow thanks in part to the strong relationship between craft brewers and beer distributors. NBWA is proud to recognize Origlio, National Distributing and Muller as well as all of the Craft Beer Distributor of the Year Award finalists that have helped strengthen the craft beer segment and bring American consumers the most extensive choice and variety of beer in the world.”

BA President Charlie Papazian added, “America’s beer drinkers are experiencing an unprecedented variety of beer in the marketplace. The exceptional efforts of beer distributors like Origlio Beverage, National Distributing and Muller to educate licensed alcohol retailers and consumers of legal drinking age about craft beers have helped to expand the market for craft brands and build widespread enthusiasm for craft beer among American consumers.”

Other 2009 Craft Beer Distributor of the Year Award Finalists include:

• Alliance Beverage Distributing Co., LLC – Phoenix, Arizona
• Birmingham Beverage Co., Inc – Birmingham, Alabama
• Chicago Beverage Systems, LLC – Chicago, Illinois
• DBI Beverage San Francisco – San Francisco, California
• Gretz Beer Co. – Norristown, Pennsylvania
• J.J. Taylor Distributing Florida, Inc – Jupiter, Florida
• L. Knife & Son, Inc. – Kingston, Massachusetts
• Oak Beverage, Inc – Blauvelt, New York
• Powers Distributing Co., Inc. – Lake Orion, Michigan
• Premier-Midwest Beverage Company – Omaha, Nebraska
• Premium Distributors Washington, D.C. LLC – Washington, D.C.
• Shore Point Distributing Co., Inc – Adelphia, New Jersey

America’s beer distributors source products from brewers of all kinds – large and small, domestic and international – unlocking the market for new beer brands, small breweries and innovative beverages. Beer distributors help craft brewers grow and compete by helping them reach a wide network of retailers. The American beer distribution system provides a level playing field that allows all brewers equal access to consumers of legal drinking age.

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The National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA) represents the interests of America’s 2,850 licensed, independent beer distributor operations in every state, congressional district and media market across the country. Beer distributors are committed to ensuring alcohol is provided safely and responsibly to consumers of legal drinking age through the three-tier, state-based system of alcohol regulation and distribution. For more information about beer distributors, visit www.AmericasBeerDistributors.com.

Based in Boulder, Colorado, USA, the Brewers Association (BA) is the not-for-profit trade and education association for small and independent American brewers, their craft beers and the community of brewing enthusiasts. Visit the Web site, www.beertown.org, to learn more. The association’s activities include events and publishing: World Beer Cup®; Great American Beer Festivalsm; Craft Brewers Conference and BrewExpo America®; National Homebrewers Conference; National Homebrew Competition; SAVOR: An American Craft Beer and Food Experience; American Craft Beer Week; Zymurgy magazine; The New Brewer magazine; and books on beer and brewing. The Brewers Association has an additional membership division of 19,000+ homebrewers: American Homebrewers Association.