The Largest Beverage Distributors (+ the Power of Smaller Partners)

The CPG beverage industry has exploded in both demand and supply in recent decades — and there’s no sign of it slowing any time soon. The US packaged food market is predicted to reach $1.58 trillion by 2030.

New beverage products line the shop shelves every year, and customers have an ever-increasing need for drinks that they can consume on the go.

But how exactly do beverage products get into the hands of consumers? And who makes sure that retailers always have enough stock to meet this increasing demand?

Well, that’s where beverage distributors come in.

We’ll dive into the role of beverage distribution companies soon, but if there’s one thing that’s certain, they’re essential in transporting the highest quality beverage products to the very best retailers.

So, whether you’re a beverage brand that’s looking for the fastest and most affordable way to get your products into the hands of customers, or a retailer that’s looking to increase the range of beverage products you have on offer, it’s worth getting to know some of the largest beverage distributors around right now — and how they can support you and your business!

How has the beverage industry changed in recent years?

Over the last few decades, there’s no doubt that the CPG beverage industry has seen significant growth globally.

The quality and range of beverage brands on the market have increased at a remarkable speed. And, perhaps unsurprisingly, demand continues to soar.

But just how much has the global beverage industry expanded in recent years? And did the COVID-19 pandemic have any impact on its growth?

Well, here are a few facts that demonstrate the scale of the CPG beverage industry in 2022:

• By 2024, the global beverage industry is predicted to reach $1.8 trillion
  
  
• Across the globe, we consume 465 billion liters of bottled water per year
  
  
• The international tea market is currently valued at $220.7 billion — and it’s expected to reach 266.7 billion by 2025!
  
  
• In 2020, the non-alcoholic beverages market was valued at $724 billion. This was significantly lower than its $900 billion valuation in 2019, thanks to COVID-19. But the pandemic didn’t slow this booming industry down for long! It’s expected to recover to a huge $1.2 trillion by 2027.
  
  
• The global alcoholic beverage industry is predicted to be worth $2.2 trillion by 2025.

So, if you’re a CPG brand that wants to get its products into the hands of as many customers as possible, there really has never been a better time. But to do that, you’re going to need to bring a great distribution partner on board.

What is a beverage distributor?

Before we dive into some of the largest beverage distribution companies in the world right now, let’s start by looking at what a beverage distributor actually does — and the goals they can help your brand to achieve.

Beverage distribution companies ultimately act as the middleman between a CPG drinks brand and the retailers who want to stock their products.

A good beverage distributor will collect products directly from the manufacturer’s warehouse and then transport them to the very best retailers across the state, country — or even the world!

This removes the need for beverage products to be transported to each retailer’s centralized warehouse before they begin their journey to the shop shelves. This saves time and money, while helping reduce the beverage brand’s carbon footprint. What’s not to like?

But the benefits of working with a distribution partner don’t end there.

Because CPG distribution companies are able to deliver beverage products to retailers as and when they need the products, this can help to build your brand’s reputation and professional relationships.

Retailers won’t have to wait weeks to receive new stock. Instead, they’ll be able to easily order more of your products, safe in the knowledge that they’ll receive them quickly and efficiently — and that can only help your brand to build positive relationships with retailers in the long run.

So, that’s what beverage distribution companies are able to achieve for your business. But who are the largest beverage distributors in the world right now?

Here are 5 large beverage distribution companies that should be on your radar…

5 large beverage distributors to follow right now

Diageo

Diageo is the largest alcoholic drink distributor in the US. Established in 1997 and specializing in spirits and beer, Diageo certainly knows what it's doing when it comes to beverage distribution.

This large company currently works with over 200 brands in more than 180 countries and is recognized globally for its contribution to the CPG beverage industry.

Breakthru Beverage Group

Located in North America, Breakthru Beverage Group is another leading alcoholic beverage distributor that works with a range of premier wine, spirit and beer brands.

Family-owned and operated, this distribution company sees more than $6 billion in annual sales.

Veroni Brands Corp

Veroni Brand Corp is a non-alcoholic beverage distributor based in Vernon Hills. They specialize in distributing premium European energy drinks to retailers across the US. 

Founded in 2016, Veroni Brands Corp is a relatively new beverage distributor. But they’ve grown at an incredible rate over the last few years, seeing more than $6 million in revenue in 2020.

Reyes Beer Division

Reyes Beer Division is the largest distributor of beer in the United States. Founded in 1976, they deliver an impressive 290 million cases annually to over 100,000 retailers across the country.

Reyes Beer Division is made up of approximately 8100 full-time employees and 44 facilities across the US — so they’re able to distribute beer products coast to coast.

Pernod Ricard

Pernod Ricard is another leading alcoholic beverage distributor, moving a range of beverages but specializing in wines and spirits.

Founded in 1975, they boast an impressive wine portfolio with 240 brands distributed in over 160 countries.Smaller beverage distributors can work just as hard for your business

While large-scale beverage distribution companies are sure to help you succeed, it might also be worth considering how working with a smaller distributor might benefit your business.

Beverage distributors with a smaller portfolio of brands can offer you a more personalized and bespoke service, as they’ve got the time and energy to pour into making your business the best it can be!

Smaller distributors are also more likely to go the extra mile when it comes to getting your products onto the very best shop shelves — or providing your retail stores with exceptional beverage products.

Here at Buffalo Market, we’re on a mission to do just that. If you’re a beverage brand, we’re committed to offering you a totally transparent and efficient distribution service for your products and will do everything we can to help grow your business.

Just take Inked Bread Co. as an example. After partnering with us, this fantastic CPG brand saw a 600% growth in just 8 weeks! What’s more, 6 out of 7 grocery chains authorized Inked Bread Co. in all of their locations across California after they started working with us.

Or, if you’re a retailer looking for the very best beverage products on offer, Buffalo Market can offer frequent deliveries and predictive reordering, so you can keep your shelves stocked with the fast-moving brands your customers love most.

Book a demo today to find out how we can help your business.