Distributors association names Newburyport Brewing, Summit Brewing and Mother Earth Brewing Brewer Partners of the Year

The National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA), which represents America’s 3,000 independent beer distributors across the country, has presented three brewers with its 2018 Brewer Partner of the Year Awards. Newburyport Brewing Co. of Newburyport, Mass., won NBWA’s top prize, the 2018 Brewer Partner of the Year Gold Award. Summit Brewing Co. and Mother Earth Brew Co. were awarded the Silver and Bronze Awards, respectively.

For the fourth consecutive year, this award highlights brewers that exhibit a commitment to building strong, mutually-beneficial relationships with independent beer distributors. The awards were presented last week at NBWA’s 81st Annual Convention and Product Showcase in San Diego.

“The partnerships between independent distributors and the brewers they work with every day have never been more important, and we are thrilled to recognize this year’s Brewer Partner Award winners,” said Craig Purser, president and CEO of NBWA. “These suppliers recognize that collaboration within the beer distribution system is critical to the livelihood of the beer industry. These brewers exemplify that team spirit.”

Newburyport Brewing

NBWA Brewer Partner Gold Award

NBWA awarded Newburyport Brewing the 2018 Brewer Partner of the Year Gold Award for its collaborative efforts to fuse music and beer and their commitment to the three-tier system. Newburyport Brewing has become one of Massachusetts’s fastest growing breweries, expanding its network to 14 independent distributors in six years. Their business model is built on trust and collaboration.

Summit Brewing

NBWA Brewer Partner Silver Award

NBWA named Summit Brewing Company the 2018 Silver Brewer Partner of the Year for its work with distributors as it pioneered the craft beer industry over the last 32 years. Founded before craft beers were popular, Summit Brewing is now the 26th largest craft brewer in the United States, producing 115,000 barrels a year. They offer their distribution partners “deep-dive” brewery immersion tours, countless marketing materials and partnership opportunities through co-branded promotional events.

Mother Earth Brew

NBWA Brewer Partner Bronze Award

NBWA’s 2018 Brewer Partner Bronze Award went to Mother Earth Brewing. Mother Earth Brew works closely with distributors and, after humble beginnings in a garage, has now expanded its distribution network to 17 states. Additionally, Mother Earth Brewing is constantly innovating to create new options that offer a beer for every occasion. Part of Mother Earth Brewing’s growth can be attributed to its dedication to a creative marketing approach and robust product training for its distributors.