Press Release: Pepin Brings Attitude to Craft Beer in Tampa

For Immediate Release
For More Information, Contact:
Bill Gieseking
813-626-6176 ext. 258

March 5, 2013

PEPIN BRINGS ATTITUDE TO CRAFT BEER IN TAMPA

Craft Beer business is growing at a rapid pace in Florida, enticing some very well respected craft breweries like New Belgium, SweetWater, Green Flash and Founders to venture out and expand their distribution into Florida. “The excitement that craft beers have created in the Brewing Industry over the last decade is unprecedented. Craft Beers in Florida are in a great growth pattern, and Tampa Bay is the epicenter of that growth” states J Paul Pepin, Pepin Distributing’s Craft Beer Manager. “With great local brewers like Cigar City, Cold Storage, 7venth Sun, Tampa Bay Brewing, Rapp Brewing, and Big Storm, Tampa Bay’s craft market is just heating up.”

The craft beer segment has grown to about 5.5% in Tampa, and as one of the top wholesalers in Florida, Pepin Distributing Company has found it imperative to prepare for the growth through a dedicated Craft Beer department, named Brews With Attitude, ramping up its craft beer sales and marketing efforts.  Additionally, Pepin is undergoing a huge facilities expansion, increasing their distribution warehouse space by 56% and refrigerated draught cooler by 64%, bringing the total space to 334,000 sq ft. Led by J Paul Pepin, the department has partnered with some of the best craft breweries, bringing their beers to the Florida market. Although Pepin distributes large, worldwide brands such as Budweiser, Bud Light and Corona, many craft breweries understand and prefer the AB network to distribute their brands because of high market share, retailer relationships, community involvement  and capabilities the network has to get their craft beers into consumers’ hands.   In 2011 and 2012, Pepin was recognized by the National Beer Wholesalers Association and  Brewers Association as one of the top10 craft beer distributors in the US.

Dave Guender, Director of Sales at SweetWater Brewing Company said, “SweetWater is thrilled with Pepin & Brews With Attitude’s support of our brand concurrent with staying true to our image and unique message that SweetWater conveys to our retailers and consumers. Also, Pepin’s interaction with the Tampa Bay community through events, festivals, beer dinners and tap takeovers has represented SweetWater in a way that showcases our portfolio, product freshness and work strong/play hard approach.”

Sports Bars, Chain Restaurants, Convenience & Liquor Stores are expanding their draft and bottle selections to give craft consumers a more varied selection. Dung To, World of Beer Westchase GM stated, “Pepin’s introduction of new craft breweries, along with knowledge of the products, has really brought a lot to Tampa’s beer market. It’s great for us at WOB to be able to constantly introduce new brands to our guests.” Kevin Reinhardt, Beverage Manager at Datz says, “Pepin has shown relentless efforts to bring the best craft beers to Florida, and I cannot wait to see what brewery they can bring next.”

Brews With Attitude, the craft division of Pepin Distributing Company and their Craft Brewing partners remind you to save the date for their Third Annual Brews with Attitude, Craft Beer Festival celebrating American Craft Beer Week, on May 14, 2013 on the grounds of the exquisite T.Pepin’s Hospitality Centre.

We are celebrating Tampa Bay Beer Week, go to www.pepindistributing.com/events to find out more.

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