“New to Nashville Lagunitas beer among fastest growing on premise brands”

Petaluma, Calif. based Lagunitas Brewing Co., distributed in Nashville by DET Distributing, is ranked as the fourth fastest growing brand nationally, according to GuestMetrics. On premise sales refer to beer purchased and consumed on site, or on premise, such as bars and restaurants. Bill Pecoriello, C.E.O. of GuestMetrics LLC., says “based on our data, Dos Equis achieved the largest share gain in the beer category at 30 basis points, followed by Stella Artois at 25 basis points, Blue Moon at 15 basis points, and Lagunitas at 10 basis points.”

The news in and of itself does not sound so interesting. But if one looks closer at the details, they will show the bulk of Lagunitas' growth occurred at the end of the year. According to Peter Reidhead, vice president of strategy and insights at GuestMetrics, third quarter growth for Lagunitas “doubled to about 20 basis points, and the quarter after that they ended 2012 with a 30 basis point share.

That timing is reflected in the time DET Distributing brought the beer to Nashville. Local bars and restaurants were first able to sell Lagunitas at the end of September last year. At that point, the Lagunitas I.P.A. quickly became one of the best selling beers at some of the best local beer bars such as Broadway Brewhouse, Flying Saucer, Red Door, 3 Crow Bar, Beyond the Edge, and others.

While Nashville has a legitimate claim to contributing to the growth in sales of the beer, Lagunitas expanded distribution nationally. The beer was available in about four percent of all bars prior to 2012. By the end of last year, however, the exposure doubled to about eight percent.

DET Distributing is best known as the distributor of the Miller Coors family of beers. With over 100 brands, they distribute to 24 counties in middle and western Tenn. Their craft brands include locally made Fat Bottom, Sweetwater, Schlafly, Stella Artois, Lazy Magnolia, Rivertown, and many more.

While the Lagunitas I.P.A. is their flagship brand, they make several annually available and seasonal beers such as Hop Stoopid, and Wilco Tango Foxtrot. So enjoy one of their quality, locally available craft beers!

See you at the pub. Cheers!