US: Wirtz Beverage Group signs Big Wood Brewery deal

By Andy Morton | 26 February 2013

Wirtz's Illinois unit has also signed a deal this month

Wirtz Beverage Group is to distribute Big Wood Brewery in the craft brewer's native Minnesota.

The deal, for an undisclosed sum, will take Big Wood's brands state-wide for the first time, Wirtz said yesterday (25 February). “It’s a great opportunity for us to grow,” Big Wood founder Steve Merila said.

Wirtz Beverage Minnesota will sell and distribute Big Wood's full portfolio, including Morning Wood Coffee Stout and Bad Axe Imperial IPA.

Vadnais Heights-based Big Wood is a newcomer to the Minnesota craft beer scene, pushing out its first labels in 2009.

Earlier this month, Wirtz's Illinois unit signed a deal to distribute beer importer Vanberg & DeWulf's portfolio throughout the state.

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