In this post, we’ll present OFB&H’s top distributor recommendations in Missouri for new brands entering our market. We’ve categorized our favorites into Wine, Beer, and Spirits categories, and will offer our analysis of each from both a supplier and a retailer perspective.
As with any state, buyer relationships are the key to sustained success for your brand in Missouri. Our choices presented below maintain those relationships through consistent service, knowledgeable sales teams, and timely delivery.
Equally important as vetting your distributor options is coming to the table prepared to show your brand’s value in Missouri. If you’d like to discuss what we cover in this blog post and your brand’s approach in our state, contact us for a free market evaluation today.
Old Fashioned Beverage & Hospitality’s Picks for Distribution in Missouri
SPIRITS
Vintegrity began distributing artisanal wines in 2008, but quickly began amassing an extremely impressive portfolio of spirits. Vintegrity has an eclectic and balanced book, ranging from highly-allocated brands like Foursquare Rum to craft-rail favorites like ElVelo and Wodka.
Retailer Perspective: Vintegrity offers an expansive and well-rounded team of wine & spirits professionals, many with backgrounds in the restaurant industry. Vintegrity’s sales team is readily-available to buyers and presents a great understanding of what brands fit best in what accounts.
Notable Brands: J Rieger, Bitter Truth, 86 Company
Perfect Fit For: Small-batch sugarcane and agave spirits; Japanese whiskies; fortified wines
Though their beer selection of over 200 brands is nothing short of impressive, Lohr’s liquor catalog is even more so - with an extremely varied selection. Independent bottlers like Gordon & Macphail, Chieftain’s, and AD Rattray have found a home alongside rail favorites like Plantation Rum and Brokers Gin.
Retailer Perspective: Lohr has an attentive sales team that hits the pavement well and keeps buyers updated on happenings and developments. Lohr has an attractive book from a buyer’s POV, with huge variety and quality, competitively-priced rail options.
Notable Brands: Four Roses, Pierre Ferrand, Bozal
Perfect Fit For: Small-batch bourbons and vodkas; Mezcals; rail-priced craft spirits
BEER
Craft Republic says they “aim to provide market access to innovative and quality focused craft beverage brands.” This is obvious with a look at their impressive portfolio, featuring Midwest favorites such as Off Color and Maplewood, and esteemed imports like Fruh and La Trappe.
Retailer Perspective: Craft Republic’s reps are as knowledgeable as they come in regards to craft beer. They also provide helpful retailer resources both on their website and in weekly email newsletters recapping new arrivals, post-downs, and close-outs.
Notable Brands: Pipeworks, Evil Twin, Two Pitchers
Perfect Fit For: Unique lineups with frequent limited releases
Operating since 1956, North Kansas City Beverage has become a favorite for Kansas City beer brands seeking quality distribution. Local favorites like Cinder Block Brewery and Stockyards Brewing Co. are featured heavily in their lineup, alongside craft giants like New Belgium and Sierra Nevada.
Retailer Perspective: North Kansas City Beverage has extremely resourceful reps and efficient, always-available beer techs. They are always quick to offer help with menus and other POS materials.
Notable Brands: Bell’s, Deschutes, Odell
Perfect Fit For: Draft-heavy craft lineups focused on the KC Metro market
WINE
A. Bommarito Wines features a sizable sales team with Sommelier and Wine Educator accreditations, well-versed in their portfolio and always willing to ask questions and taste bottles.
Retailer Perspective: A. Bommarito is a reliable wine wholesaler, with punctual delivery and a deep, well-rounded portfolio. A. Bommarito’s knowledgeable staff frequently organizes and participates in wine dinners, tastings, and other valuable trade engagements.
Notable Brands: A to Z Wineworks, Rombauer Vineyards, The Pinot Project
Perfect Fit For: On-premise-focused wines
When it comes to advocates of independent wineries, Vinoteca is unmatched in Missouri. A small, extraordinarily passionate and educated sales team provides tireless coverage across the state.
Retailer Perspective: Vinoteca understands their accounts extremely well, and further supports their efforts with frequent tastings and social media activity.
Notable Brands: Chateau Peyrassol, Remelluri, Scribe
Perfect Fit For: Natural wine; independent wine; estate wine
CONCLUSION
A quality supplier-distributor relationship is the first step in positioning yourself for sustained success in our market, and that’s a guarantee when partnering with the wholesalers we’ve discussed today.
Our company’s role is to provide an affordable and accessible solution for the other pieces of this beverage sales puzzle: the supplier-buyer and supplier-consumer relationships.
Old Fashioned Beverage & Hospitality provides account management, targeted on- and off-premise campaigns, and enthusiastic consumer engagement that will guarantee you get the most out of your distribution in Missouri.