Great Artisan Beverage adds a pair of distribution network partners

The Great Artisan Beverage Co. added Summit Beverage and Fun Beverage Inc. as members to the distribution network of Great Artisan Beverage. Together, the coalition of craft beer distributors will add Butte, Missoula and Kalispell, Mont., regions to the footprint.

A little background on Great Artisan Beverage: At the end of 2012, a group of distributors recognized the customer demand for quality craft and specialty products was rising; a more unified approach to the management and distribution of craft and specialty beverages was needed. To this end, C. Stein Distributing, Marine View Beverage, The Odom Corporation and Sound Beverage Distributors joined forces to form the Great Artisan Beverage Co. Now the collection of distributors expands its reach with its latest additions.

Summit Beverage, headquartered in Missoula, Mont., began in 1968 as Roach & Smith and has since transformed over the years into the successful distributor we know. Another family owned business, with the third generation stepping in. The entire business is built on the foundations of quality relationships with customers, suppliers and their employees.

Fun Beverage Inc. based in Kalispell, Mont., the gateway to Glacier National Park, has served Northwest Montana for over 32 years. Today, Fun Beverage has grown to be one of the largest locally-owned, independent, beer, wine and non-alcohol distributor serving the communities of Northwest Montana including Whitefish, Eureka, Libby and Glacier National Park, according to the company.

“Our mission is to be the beverage distribution expert providing superior sales, service, distribution and portfolio management to both our retail and supplier customers,” said Brian Clark, president and chief operating officer of Fun Beverage.

“We are very proud to partner with such quality people of Summit Beverage and Fun Beverage whose distribution legacy and customer service aligns with the other members of Great Artisan Beverage Co.,” said Nick Gagliardi, president of Great Artisan Beverage.