What is a Beer & Wine Distributor?

A beer and wine distributor is a critical link in the Three-Tier System for alcohol distribution. They purchase alcoholic beverages from suppliers (breweries, wineries, etc.) and distribute them to licensed retailers, such as grocery stores, bars, and restaurants. They work hard to help new brands get to market, ensuring consumers have a wide variety of options.

Thanks to Michigan's independent and family-owned beer and wine distributors, our state is among the Top 5 states in beer production, with 300+ breweries and 140+ wineries. 

Michigan’s beer and wine distributors promote choice and competition by preventing large out-of-state and foreign companies from monopolizing the alcohol market.

Michigan’s independent, family-owned beer distributors employ nearly 5,000 people and donate millions of dollars to support local organizations, events, and charitable causes.

Many distributorships are family-owned, with generations of leadership that have established longstanding commitments to making the places they live and work better for all.

Learn more about beer & wine distributors' operations!

Did you know?

  • Not only do distributors warehouse, sell, package, and deliver beer and wine to licensed retailers, but they help promote and grow brands through sales and marketing strategies, including point-of-sale advertising and merchandising.

  • Distributors have strong ties to their communities, where many of them have been pillars for decades. They are deeply committed to giving back and improving the places where they live, work, and serve.

  • Michigan’s beer and wine distributors are pioneers in energy efficiency and cutting-edge conservation, recycling, and environmental practices to reduce energy waste and pollution.

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