Ohio’s newest distributor, Ohio Beer Co, began operations earlier this month, exclusively selling beer made here to bars and bottle shops throughout the state.
Adam Brankamp, President of Ohio Beer Co, said he got the idea for the business after hearing about frustrations local brewers had about their current choices for distribution.
“[Distributors] were built to serve a different model,” said Brankamp. “Beers with cheaper prices and large volume. Somehow the two sides were not meeting in the middle and it left a lot of craft breweries without distribution options.”
Brankamp, who comes from a small business consulting background, plans to distribute only Ohio craft beer with Ohio Beer Co.
“The level of craft beer here is so good it didn’t seem necessary to go out of state,” said Brankamp. “Consumer demand for Ohio beer is strong and getting stronger as is indicated by how many breweries exist in Ohio now. I don’t think it’s like that everywhere. Ohio has something really special going on and I think we’re just seeing the beginnings of a burgeoning local craft beer economy that will continue to evolve and grow over time.”
Ohio is one of about 30 states that allows brewery to self-distribute, but doing so at a certain scale requires sales staff and storage space that many small breweries can’t, or choose not to, invest in.
Ohio Beer Co launches with Lancaster’s Rockmill Brewery and Canton’s Royal Docks Brewery in their distribution portfolio.
“Royal Docks is new to the Columbus market so it’s been fun introducing their beers to customers and buyers,” said Brankamp. “Breaking new brands into markets where they don’t have a significant presence [is] an uphill battle, but it’s wonderful to get to introduce the brewery and beers to new customers.”
The distributorship is currently focused on serving the Columbus, Cincinnati and Cleveland markets, with plans to add Dayton to the mix in the near future. They are currently looking for other Ohio breweries to add to their offering.
“We want to work with the breweries where they’re at now in size,” said Brankamp. “Not everybody feels comfortable committing to the volume larger distributors require. It’s important we be a good partner in a brewery’s growth, which means we work with them and give them the market support and sales they need while scaling up.”
