L. Knife & Son, Inc. Acquires Specialty Beverage and Expands to New Facility

One of America’s leading beer wholesalers, L. Knife & Son, Inc., has expanded its business to Virginia through the acquisition of Richmond based Specialty Beverage, growing L. Knife’s network to 11 operations with coverage throughout Massachusetts, New York, Wisconsin, New Jersey, Maryland, Washington, D.C., and now, Virginia.

Founded in 1991 by Bobby Roberts, Specialty Beverage is the local distribution partner for more than 150 of the world’s most celebrated breweries including specialty imports Chimay, Duvel, Fullers, and Schneider Weisse, craft brewers Dogfish Head, Stone Brewing, Brooklyn Brewery, and Allagash, as well as Blue Mountain, St. George, and Olde Richmond, which are brewed locally in Virginia. Bobby and his wife, Stuart, continue to provide leadership within the company, while Matt Rogers, a seasoned craft beer sales manager from Union Beer, L. Knife’s New York City operation, joins the team as assistant general manager.

"The Virginia craft beer market is flourishing and there is an educated, savvy following of beer enthusiasts who are proud to support the efforts of small brewers," explains Rogers. And Rogers has good reason to be optimistic. While Brewers Association reports have consistently listed craft beer as the fastest growing segment of America’s adult beverage industry since 2003, growth in the southeast has nearly tripled the national rate in recent years. Expressing Specialty Beverage’s steadfast commitment to customer service, Rogers states that "we are excited to continue working with retailers throughout Virginia to conduct events, present tasting sessions, and host beer dinners to showcase the innovation, creativity, and dedication of these independent craft breweries."

Since the February acquisition, Specialty Beverage has aggressively grown the size of its sales, office, and operations team to 37 in an effort to continually improve service to the increasing number of retailers throughout the Commonwealth that carry craft and specialty beer. Specialty Beverage also continues to selectively enhance its portfolio, proudly introducing Virginia to the fine ales and lagers of Blue Point, The Bruery, and Terrapin.

On September 12, Specialty Beverage will complete its transition to a new, state-of-the-art warehouse facility in Goochland County. The 50,000 square foot facility offers an expansive, climate controlled warehouse that utilizes natural lighting and an ultra-efficient refrigeration system to minimize environmental impact. Specialty’s new home also enables it to more efficiently service high growth markets in western and northern Virginia. Through its acquisition by L. Knife, Specialty Beverage is poised for substantial growth as it remains dedicated to its mission of becoming Virginia’s preeminent craft and specialty imported beer wholesaler.

New Contact Information:

Specialty Beverage, LLC

2200 Lanier Lane

Rockville, VA 23146

Phone: (804) 749-8016

Fax: (804) 749-8111

Web: http://greatbrewers.com/specialty-beverage-virginia