USA, CO & NY: New Belgium Brewing expands into New York in May

Colorado-based craft brewery New Belgium Brewing is planning to expand into New York in May 2016, marking its expansion into 44th state, Drinks Business Review reported on March 7.

The company, which is opening a second production facility in North Carolina, has entered into agreements with 14 wholesalers for distribution throughout the state.

The wholesalers include eight Anheuser-Busch distributors, four Miller/MillerCoors houses and two independents.

New Belgium Northeast and Canada division sales director Rich Rush was quoted by brewbound.com as saying: "New York is a big one for us. It's a high density, fast-paced market and there are a lot of craft-savvy customers throughout the state. We now have the capacity to make sure we can keep the pipeline full, so the timing is ideal on all counts."

The company will initially offer Fat Tire, Ranger IPA, Citradelic IPA, Heavy Melon Watermelon Lime Ale (seasonal) and Rampant Imperial IPA.

Consumers will also be able to get a taste of New Belgium's other offerings such as 12-oz bottles of its Fat Tire, Ranger, Citradelic, Heavy Melon, Rampant and Glutiny (gluten-reduced) brands. Fat Tire and Citradelic will also be available in can forms.

The company will start shipping of Slow Ride Session IPA, 1554 Black Lager and Lips of Faith beers starting August.

The company's expansion into New York follows its foray into New Jersey, which it had announced to take place this month.

Separately, New Belgium Brewing has partnered with Indeed Brewing Company for Beers with Vrienden to develop a honey wheat wine, Come Together.

Recently, the company revived its RyePA in collaboration with Colorado Malting, a fourth-generation family farm in Alamosa, Colorado. The hoppy Rye IPA is available in New Belgium Folly Packs nationwide through May.

11 March, 2016