USA, FL: Boynton Beach-based Due South Brewing expanding distribution to Jacksonivlle

Boynton Beach-based Due South Brewing is expanding its reach into Northeast Florida ahead of Jacksonville Beer Week, Jacksonville Business Journal reported on October 13.

The move was a strategic one for Due South, which has been making its way up the east coast for the last few years. Due South President and Head Brewer Mike Halker said that the company was holding off on extending distribution to Jacksonville until it was sure it could meet demand.

"We've covered the east coast from Key West to St. Augustine, and Jacksonville is the next logical step for us," Halker said.

Halker said that the growth of the craft beer industry was a motivating factor for Due South to jump into the market.

"Jacksonville is one of the biggest markets in the state when it comes to craft beer," Halker said. "Tampa is possibly the only bigger one."

Florida is also a national leader in craft beer, as the third largest market in the U.S.

"It's not showing any signs of slowing down," Halker said. "There's a lot of potential there."
The brewery, which has been open since 2012, also recently expanded its distribution out of state, to Philadelphia.

Halker said that expansion efforts will begin to slow down now that Due South has reached Jacksonville, but that, eventually, he'd like to reach other areas of Florida, like the Panhandle.

"When we eye other markets, we look at them for several reasons," Halker said. "We want to take care of Florida, first and foremost."

Retailers can begin ordering Due South as of October 13. The brewery will be doing promotion for its launch in Jacksonville at local breweries during Jacksonville Beer Week, which begins on Nov. 7.

14 October, 2015