The Wisconsin Beer Distributors Association started as a group of pioneers in Wisconsin’s new beer distribution industry in 1935, – three short years after the Repeal of Prohibition. Much has changed in 75 years, but the original purpose of the Association remains the same:
- Represent distributor members with integrity
- Work with state officials to carry out the state’s public policy on the manufacture, sale, distribution and retail sales of alcoholic beverages
- Serve the public through the promotion of responsible alcohol consumption.
Wisconsin Distributor’s Role
Your local beer distributor is dedicated to upholding Wisconsin’s alcohol laws and regulations, promoting competition and providing consumers with selection, service and value.
Many people may think distributors simply deliver beer from breweries to local retailers. However, our role is much involved than just delivery.
Distributors purchase beer from suppliers, reducing those suppliers’ capital requirements and transferring the risk of retailer non-payment to the distributors. We then store product at local facilities until local retailers order it. This allows retailers to keep their inventory to a minimum and costs associated with storage. Additionally, same day or next day delivery helps maintain the freshness of many products for consumers.
“Retailers” are licensed by the state of Wisconsin and include such outlets as your local grocery store, restaurants, pubs and taverns, private clubs, sports and concert venues and superstores. With the distributors responsible for selling the beer to retailers, suppliers also benefit as they often cannot afford to employ a large sales force.