Rightly so, the conversation of independent beer vs. big beer has dominated industry news of late – especially here in North Carolina.  Whether it’s the beer we drink or the products we represent, our personal preference is to seek out independent brands.

Atlantic Craft Beer and Specialty Wine Distributors was created specifically for independent brewers.  Those that are looking for distribution without having to compete for attention in an overloaded, unwieldy portfolio or with a ‘big’ brand in their chosen wholesaler’s book.  We’re a small, one truck distributorship; this means that as the owner & operator, breweries work directly with me.  No go-betweens or inconvenient chains of command.

With all the talk about craft vs. big beer and distribution laws, little has been discussed in how wholesalers could evolve to offer a more balanced partnership in the market place. As an independent distributor, our goal is to “rethink distribution”.

For us, that centers around a few key points.

• We believe brewers should be allowed to keep the territory they have cultivated in their community. No statewide distribution rights required here – instead we’re simply the logistical means for regional brewers to reach a new market while growing their brand on their own terms.
  

• Personal involvement and shared ideals go a long way toward brand development. Our intent is to focus on the details that have already made each brewery successful.  By meeting with our supplier partners and visiting their production locations, we serve as a true ambassador of the brewery in our market.
  

• We’re focused on customer service. Our aim is to treat our Suppliers as our customers and that begins with the treatment of their beer from the time we take possession of it to well after the sale.  We understand that the money, time and effort breweries have invested in their product is immeasurable and that the condition it’s in when it hits the market can have a lasting impact on their brand (both good and bad!).  Their success is our success; which is why we take care in how the beer we represent is handled; from climate controlled storage to a refrigerated delivery truck to proper rotation in the field.
  

Atlantic Craft Beer and Specialty Wine Distributors is an independent wholesaler partnering with independent regional craft breweries, to bring fresh quality beer to the Outer Banks of North Carolina. We are rethinking distribution and are ready to connect with the right Suppliers to build their brands.  If you are a North Carolina brewery interested in distributing in northeastern NC we’d love to talk to you, maybe have a beer.

Will Daughtry
Owner/Operator
Will@AtlanticBeerandWine.com
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