Are there issues with our distributors?

The 3-tier system and supply chain issues..It isn't like it is a conspiracy as some people in this thread seem to want to believe, "so maybe the guys in Stl are sticking it to us" (lol hilarious).

I see it all the time where Sierra Nevada beers for instance hit some state(s) on the east cost before being in IA/NE/MN/SD/ND. No big deal..

The reason for the lower allocation is obvious (BCBS in 45 states or whatever).

 

In 48 states (not Ohio and Utah due to ABV restrictions) per a GI marketing lady.

 

Zipps is doing a raffle system. I am glad we went to Chicago this is ridiculous and I am not blaming Zipps.

 

I think the rafflle is actually a great idea. That way the people that are working all day have a chance since some guys are out chasing beer trucks all day.

 

I would like to see a few more places adopt zipps raffle system.

 

My issue with distributors is how they allocate to on-premise locations. It's very frustrating as a restaurant owner of almost 10 years, I get told the same old bullshit - "Let me run your numbers". As a smaller, high end place I will never have the numbers that burger joints do, I simply don't do the quantity of business. But wouldn't the breweries want their product in a smaller, independent, higher end restaurant that would allow a greater number of people to have the chance to try it? As opposed to ONLY putting the limited releases in places where beer dorks line up before the place opens and it's gone in less than a day? It's exactly the opposite of the wine world, where you "earn" the chance for limited wines as a thank you for a decades worth of business and there's actual thought put in by the distributors to match a nice restaurant with nice wines... I can't wait for this bullshit system to be changed.

I'm one of those "beer dorks" I mentioned in my rant, btw.

 

In my experience most breweries are pretty sensible about balancing sheer volume accounts with the kinds of places they want to see their beer poured. On the other hand, from their point of view, there is plenty of frustration from accounts that rarely (if ever) support their brand and then suddenly claim to be entitled to something there isn't enough of. Not accusing you of that, but it certainly happens.

 

Did you mean distributors? Or breweries? Because I am pretty sure Bells and Founders have little to absolutely no control which accounts get the special releases. Deschutes limiting Abyss to their top accounts is the first I've ever heard of it. From my experience, it's the rep that has almighty power to decide where the cases or kegs go, and typically it's policital and hooking up thier buddies. At least it certainly seems so down here south of the cities. The Rochester market is bullshit.

 

Breweries and distributors often work together to set allocations. The rep will likely have little say.

 

Wow...Not in my world.

 

Sorry, but I have to agree with EvilGenius, The brewery reps are a huge part of the allocation process. when I'm trying for a beer or mad I didn't get one, or happy that I did, 9 times out of 10 it's a conversation with my brewery rep.

However, I do agree with your statement about not being a quantity bar but a bar based on quality, as I to run into that with brewery reps and get frustrated. I've been know to throw a fit (but I've also been know to give up a whale to another account that I know deserves it more than me). So, I also have to look back and really look at how much I support that brand by putting on flagships and doing promos and if I really didn't have a solid handle for a while, did I deserve that whale? Probably not, well, maybe next time.

As far as buddies and political hooking up, I guess I don't think I see that too much (on premise, I don't know too much about the off promise game). I feel, at least in this market (minneapolis/st paul), that the reps, brewery and distributor are for the most part pretty fair. Don't get me wrong sometimes a placement gets me scratching my head and I'll say something but that's pretty rare.

 

Like I said, the Rochester market is bullshit. I'm sure things are run differently and better up there. I watch places OPEN here in Roch with kegs I've never been offered. They have no history, just political ties, but somehow they are snagging kegs I never get a sniff of. Maybe it's time I throw a fit or two... I've always been nice, but maybe the squeaky wheel gets the grease...

 

What kinds of things are you talking about?

 

Allocations of beer.

 

I know that. Which ones specifically?

 

I'd take anything outside of the baseline happily. Any seasonal/ limited release would be just fine. I should mention, College City takes care of me well, they are the one distributor that seems to get it. Again, at least down here...

 

Enjoyed the article. It is good to get a sense for the other side, and to understand that the retailer is doing his/her best. But I have this to say to the "you can have more limiteds if you drink more regulars" policy:

No.

I perfectly understand that this is how it is done, and that it is not going to change. I don't particularly like GI's offerings outside the BC line, and I am not going to drink beer I don't like in order to raise, in an infinitessimally small way, my chances of getting more of a beer I like. If that means less BC for me, then so be it. I will feel free to complain anyway - but I'll try not to blame anybody. Deal?

 

This.

 

Exactly...can you imagine a large wine company doing it this way? "Well, you can only have Reserve California Cab X if you sell a shit ton of Boring California Blend Y, I don't care how upscale or wine focused you are."

 

There seems to be a weird attitude in the beer scene of spending money on principle, instead of spending it what you actually want. Shop at a mom and pop liquor store even if their prices are too high and selection is poor, buy local beer instead of a superior product from another state, "support" breweries that make marginal product because they are "nice guys." You don't really see this elsewhere, or at least not as much. I think the allocation issue is part of that.