Press Release:
(Raleigh, NC) – Mims Distributing Company, a wholesale beverage distributor in North Carolina, has announced that it is adding wine to its portfolio and expanding its distribution reach to include all of North Carolina. The company will grow its distribution area from its current nine counties to the entire state for its wine division and select craft beers.
From the mid 1970s until 2000, Mims Distributing had one of the most prominent wine companies in its current nine county footprint. The company’s owners have always maintained a passion for great wine, and they are excited to reengage in the wine business. Respected industry authorities Michael Gunnells and David Furr have joined the team as the vice president of sales and director of sales and marketing respectively to head the wine division. Gunnells previously worked with the Mims wine team for three years prior to rejoining this year. Both men have a combined 35 years of experience in the industry. Aligning with Mims Distributing’s values and reputation, Gunnells and Furr are developing meaningful partnerships with wineries from around the world.
The move into wine distribution by Mims Distributing comes at a time of strong and continuous growth for America’s wine industry. The Wine Institute has noted that the United States has been the largest wine consuming nation in the world since 2010, with residents individually consuming a total of 2.82 gallons a year in 2013. Wine shipments within the United States from California alone were 215 million cases in 2013, up 3 percent from the previous year, with an estimated retail value of $23.1 billion, up 5 percent. All American regions produce wine, however 95 percent comes from four regions with California as the most prolific producer, followed by Washington, Oregon and New York. North Carolina also has a thriving wine industry with over 100 wineries in many areas, including Yadkin Valley, Swan Creek and Haw River Valley.
With the expansion and growth of the company, Mims Distributing’s sales team will offer retailers an excellent portfolio of products and the great service level it is known for in its home market. For more information, visit Mims Distributing’s website at http://mimsdistributing.com.