The Beer Distributor Is A Vital Link In The Supply Line
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Defined Tag: Beer Distributor.

The beer distributor forms an important link in the beer supply chain. The brewery procures the ingredients and brews the beer. The brewing schedule and volume are based on beer consumption estimates. Choice malt, hops, specialized yeast and purified water combine to create the golden frothy product. That beer is a drinkable product, however, and has a limited shelf life. The limited life is not only because it is a food product, but also because beer is worthless after losing the carbonation.

Beer distribution begins at the end of the pipe at the brewery. Some breweries bottle their own beer. Distribution trucks fill up with thousands of cases of beer and begin their long journeys. Depending on the brand and trip length, these beer trucks may be refrigerated. Each beer distribution truck travels a designated route to a specific warehouse facility. Beer warehouses service large retail areas. Retail stores, markets, liquor stores and convenience stores in the area obtain their beer from these warehouses at wholesale prices.

These beer distributorships often maintain a fleet of delivery trucks to move the beer to the stores. Many stores receive the same beer distribution each week, but can alter the order if needed. The stores are responsible for selling the distributed beer and collecting sales tax.

Micro breweries or craft beer breweries often must take a more hands-on approach to beer distribution. Sometimes these small time players compete directly with national brands, so these boutique breweries must first secure shelf space in retail stores. Once that is accomplished, they must maintain an adequate beer supply to those stores. It is difficult to build a customer base in this manner, but many local brands can become quite popular.

Breweries distribute beer in kegs as well as bottles. Kegs can hold up to 15.5 gallons, as measured by US standards (12.5 UK Imperial gallons). Keg beer is distributed to the regional warehouses, but rarely is shipped further. Instead, persons or businesses wanting to purchase kegs visit the warehouse. After beer kegs are distributed and used, the customer returns the empty keg to the warehouse.

Beer distribution is such a large business that trade organizations have formed to represent their member companies. Whether the deliveries are nationwide or just in the neighborhood, the beer distributor makes sure everyone gets the delivery on schedule.