H. Cox & Son Inc. delivers range of beverages for St. Patrick’s Day, NCAA tournament celebrations

March 14, 2024

March includes a few of the top beer-drinking holidays

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. – As spring approaches, beer and wine distributors are gearing up for two of the season’s top beer-drinking holidays of the season: St. Patrick’s Day and the NCAA Tournament. Ranked as the No. 9 and No. 10 top beer-drinking holidays, respectively, distributors are working hard to ensure consumers have access to a range of beverage options for the festivities.

 

“As a local, independent beer distributor, we have the unique opportunity to offer consumers a wide array of options for their celebrations, whether they're cheering for their team or marking a special occasion,” said Mark Ribel, president of H. Cox & Son Inc. “From sporting events to festive holidays, beer often plays a central role in bringing people together. We take pride in being part of a system that helps them do just that.”

 

Beer and wine distributors are well-versed in helping their retail customers determine the best beverage choices for every occasion while prioritizing quality products as well as public health and safety. They market and grow brands, providing plenty of choices while supporting thousands of jobs in their local communities.

 

“As distributors, we play a crucial role in connecting consumers with their favorite beverages and introducing them to new and exciting options,” said Ribel. “Our team works hard to promote growth, choices, and competition as we serve our customers and community during the celebratory season that includes St. Patrick’s Day and the NCAA Tournament.”

 

Tracing its company roots back 90 years, H. Cox & Son has a rich history in the Traverse City community. The beer distributor has worked hard to diversify its inventory in a dynamic tourist area market, with 35% of business done in the summer months.

 

An Anheuser-Busch product purchased within a 60-mile radius of Traverse City comes through H. Cox & Son’s warehouse. The company also distributes several non-alcoholic beverages and many Michigan craft beer brands such as Bell’s. H. Cox & Son employs 60 people across a range of roles and services seven counties in northwest Michigan.

Detroit News: Celebrating Michigan’s Family-Owned Beer and Wine Distributors

By Rebecca Stow • June 23, 2026
On June 23, National Family-Owned and Operated Businesses Day offers an opportunity to recognize the local companies that form the backbone of Michigan’s economy. Among them are the state’s beer and wine distributors—independent, family-owned businesses that have been serving their communities for decades. These are multigenerational operations rooted in Michigan communities, where leadership is often passed from one generation to the next. Their longevity reflects not only business success, but a deep commitment to the people and places they serve. When I began my work with the Michigan Beer and Wine Wholesalers Association two decades ago, the industry looked very different. Today, Michigan consumers enjoy an unprecedented variety of choices, supported by advanced logistics, compliance systems, and strong retail partnerships. That evolution has been driven in large part by family-owned distributors who continue to invest in their people, infrastructure and communities. Their local ownership gives them a unique understanding of the retailers and consumers they serve. It also means decisions are made with a long-term perspective—focused not just on growth, but on sustainability and community impact. Thoughtful alcohol policy helps ensure a fair and competitive marketplace, protects public health and safety, and allows businesses of all sizes to thrive. By maintaining strong relationships with lawmakers and industry partners, Michigan’s beer and wine distributors have helped modernize laws while preserving the structure and accountability of the proven three-tier system. As we recognize family-owned businesses across the state this June, it is worth celebrating the role Michigan’s beer and wine distributors have played for decades and will continue to play in the years ahead. Their strength lies not only in their ability to adapt, but in the values that have guided them from the beginning: local ownership, strong relationships, and a commitment to doing business the right way. Spencer Nevins is president of the Michigan Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association in Lansing.

Mid-Michigan beer distributor celebrates 65 years in business, three generations of family leadership

By Rebecca Stow • May 4, 2026
OWOSSO, Mich. – Main Beverage Company marks 65 years in business this year, celebrating three generations of family leadership and a legacy rooted in mid-Michigan.

Ypsilanti beer distributor partners on limited-edition release for Ann Arbor Summer Festival

By Rebecca Stow • April 14, 2026
YPSILANTI, Mich. – Local, family-owned beer distributor O&W Inc. in Ypsilanti is celebrating its collaboration with Michigan-based Griffin Claw Brewing Company to develop a limited-edition Session IPA for the upcoming Ann Arbor Summer Festival (A2SF).