Craft Beer & Wine Distribution

Craft beverage distributors provide beer, wine, and specialty drinks to bars, restaurants, and retail stores.

With craft beer at $30B+ and wine distribution highly profitable, distribution generates revenue of $300,000-$1,000,000+ with 25-35% margins.

The business requires alcohol distribution license, refrigerated warehouse, delivery trucks with refrigeration, working capital, and three-tier system compliance.

Services include craft beer and wine distribution, retailer and bar sales, cold chain logistics, tap system installation and service, brand building and education, and merchandising support.

Revenue through markup over wholesale costs.

Success factors include obtaining limited alcohol distribution licenses, representing quality craft brands exclusively, building strong bar and retail relationships, managing cold chain and freshness, and understanding three-tier regulations.

Marketing focuses on brewery and winery partnerships, bar and restaurant relationships, and retail buyers.

With craft beverage market strong but distribution heavily regulated in 2025, alcohol distribution offers lucrative opportunities with licensing as major barrier.