WHAT IS A BEER DISTRIBUTOR? 

Iowa’s longest-operating beer distributorship has been in business under family ownership since 1915 and became a beer distributor following the repeal of prohibition. More than 90 percent of the beer distributorships in operation today are family-owned and operated. Many are second or third generation distributors who have grown up in the beer distribution industry. In addition to being successful Iowa business owners, most beer distributors are also active leaders in their local communities and in state and national organizations. Iowa distributors range in size of operation from a single employee to more than 50 employees. Annual sales range from fewer than 100,000 cases annually to more than 1,000,000 cases.