GoSelfDistro Launches New Resource for the Northwest’s Self-Distributed Breweries
The recent news that Columbia Distributing is acquiring Point Blank Distributing sent ripples through the Pacific Northwest craft brewing community. One of the largest beer distributors in the country—the regional Molson Coors distributor—was absorbing an Oregon-based distributor known for its focus on craft breweries. What this ultimately means for the breweries currently under contract with Point Blank remains to be seen. Use your imagination. (You can read more about that development here.)
More than just breaking news, the acquisition is a sign of the times. Consolidation at the top of the beer distribution industry is common these days. The biggest are getting bigger. For many craft breweries, it’s an unwelcome trend as their products get buried deeper in ever-growing catalogs. Signing with a large, national distributor often requires a hefty commitment that is simply out of reach—or ill-advised—for most small breweries.
An alternative is to partner with smaller, craft-focused distributors such as Stoup Distro or River Barrel Distributing—companies like Point Blank used to be. This model works well for many breweries, but it’s not the right fit for everyone.
About GoSelfDistro.com
Another popular option is self-distribution. For many breweries and cideries, self-distro is the most viable and flexible path forward. Until now, however, there has been no centralized place for self-distributed producers to collectively list their available products.
Breweries that work with distributors are typically included in distributor catalogs, giving pub owners and bar managers a single place to browse beers for their taps and shelves. Self-distributed breweries, on the other hand, must rely on email blasts—often lost to spam filters—and individual sales visits to keep accounts informed about what’s available.
Self-distribution is one expression of the independence that defines craft beer, but it comes with real challenges. GoSelfDistro.com aims to help.
“There also isn’t education for retailers on why self-distribution is important to our local community,” said Adam Milne, owner of Old Town Brewing in Portland and founder of GoSelfDistro. “The Brewers Association created the ‘Independent’ logo to build recognition and support for independent breweries. Why can’t there be a similar logo and movement to support self-distributed breweries and cideries? We’re trying to keep 100% of sales truly independent.”
According to Milne, GoSelfDistro was created to:
- Provide one centralized place to find real-time offerings and sales contacts for self-distributed breweries
- Help keep independent craft beer and cider 100% independent
- Ensure beer dollars stay local
- Highlight that who delivers your beer matters
- Build a movement that breweries, retailers, and drinkers can support
To learn more, visit GoSelfDistro.com. Breweries interested in participating can reach out directly through the website.
