What is a
Beer & Wine Distributor?
A beer and wine distributor is a critical link in the Three-Tier System of alcohol distribution. They purchase alcoholic beverages from suppliers (breweries, wineries, etc.) and distribute them to licensed retailers, such as grocery stores, bars, and restaurants. They work hard to help new brands get to market, ensuring consumers have a wide variety of options.
INDEPENDENT
& FAMILY-OWNED
Michigan's beer and wine distributors are family-owned, with generations of leadership that have established longstanding commitments to making the places they live and work better for all. The sheer magnitude of teamwork and dedication within their warehouses is the core of their operations. It's more than just shelves stacked with beverages—it's a place where individuals passionate about collaboration work hard to curate, distribute, and grow an extensive array of beverages for local retailers and consumers. Beer and wine have a unique way of bringing people together, and distributors are proud to be a part of that by delivering quality choices to communities across Michigan.
BRAND BUILDERS
Michigan’s beer and wine distributors collectively handle brands of over 2,000 alcohol producers, including over 800 right here in Michigan. They serve more than 17,750 licensed retailers across the state, helping grow and promote brands through sales strategies, point-of-sale advertising, and expert merchandising. Thanks to their efforts, Michigan consumers enjoy an unmatched variety of choices—from beloved local favorites to globally recognized brands.
JOB CREATORS
Michigan’s beer and wine distributors help drive the state’s economy by providing over 6,400 good-paying jobs with competitive wages and benefits. They’re committed to building workplace cultures that support work-life balance and long-term careers. This industry is filled with people who are passionate about helping local businesses thrive and making sure consumers enjoy access to a wide variety of high-quality products. At the end of the day, success in beer and wine isn’t just about what’s in the bottle—it’s about the people behind it.
INVESTORS IN LOCAL COMMUNITIES
Michigan’s beer and wine distributors are deeply rooted in the communities they serve. With decades of history, their operations go far beyond delivering quality products to store shelves. Each year, distributors across the state invest more than $6.5 million in support of over 2,200 local charities, nonprofits, and community events—demonstrating a strong commitment to giving back and strengthening Michigan communities.
