Congressional resolution applauded by NBWA.

Celebrating Craft Beer Week


The National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA) - which represents the interests of America's 2,850 licensed, independent beer distributors - applauds yesterday's passage by the U.S. House of Representatives of H. Res. 1297, a resolution "supporting the goals and ideals of American Craft Beer Week." American Craft Beer Week, a national celebration from May 17 through May 23 coordinated by the Brewers Association's Craft Beer Program, is an opportunity to highlight the culture and contributions of craft beer and the more than 1,500 craft breweries across the United States.

America's beer distributors support state-based regulations for alcohol that allow craft brewers to grow their businesses and expand their brands by accessing new markets.

H. Res. 1297 recognizes that 110 new breweries opened in the U.S. last year. The resolution also states that America's craft breweries (breweries producing less than two million barrels per year) produced more than nine million barrels of beer in 2009, which was half a million more barrels than in 2008.

"Beer distributors from coast to coast appreciate the entrepreneurial spirit of America's craft brewers and are excited by their continued growth," said NBWA President Craig Purser. "America's 1,500 craft breweries add jobs and help local economies across the country."

"Beer distributors are proud to help craft brewers grow and compete by providing the infrastructure small brewers need to reach a wide network of retailers through a regulated system," continued Purser. "Distributors introduce new beer brands and innovative beer styles to markets across the country, and American consumers are seeing more labels and styles of beer at their local stores, bars and restaurants. Nearly 13,000 labels of beer are available to American consumers of legal drinking age through the state-based system of alcohol controls. Craft Beer Week is a great opportunity to celebrate this vast choice and variety."

"Craft Beer Week is also a great time to nominate a beer distributor for the 2010 Craft Beer Distributor of the Year Award, which honors the beer distributor that does the most to market, promote and sell craft beer," concluded Purser.

NBWA and the Brewers Association will jointly present the Fourth Annual Craft Beer Distributor of the Year Award at the Great American Beer Festival on September 18, 2010, in Denver, Colorado. In addition to the Craft Beer Distributor of the Year Award, a Craft Beer Distributor Achievement Award and a Craft Beer Distributor Recognition Award will be presented. Nominations must be submitted by July 20, 2010. To nominate a deserving distributor and to read the entry rules, visit \www.nbwa.org.