WHO WE ARE
What is the KBWA?
Founded in 1945, the Kentucky Beer Wholesalers’ Association (KBWA) is the voice for the state’s beer wholesaler and distributor industry. Our members operate in communities across the commonwealth and play an important role in ensuring consumer access to an impressive array of fresh, safe and reliably consistent beer products on retail store shelves and in their favorite bars, restaurants and other venues.
KBWA members employ more than 1,630 Kentuckians across the commonwealth in a wide variety of good paying positions. The KBWA is dedicated to educating policy makers, licensees and the public about the societal value of the current three-tier system in regulating the manufacturing, independent distribution and retail sale of alcoholic beverages.
The mission of the KBWA is to provide leadership, service and advocacy for our members by helping to create and foster a favorable economic, social and legislative environment that allows for the continued safe distribution of alcoholic beverage products to age-appropriate Kentucky consumers.
WHY IS OUR MISSION IMPORTANT?
Alcoholic beverages are different than other consumer products. They are intoxicating, subject to abuse and are in high public demand. The consumption and regulation of alcoholic beverages in the United States has had a long and tumultuous history leading to Prohibition and its subsequent repeal.
After Prohibition, states implemented strong regulatory systems that proved successful at regulating – rather than prohibiting – the consumption of alcoholic beverages. Under this balanced regulatory system, often referred to as three-tier, Kentucky’s beer distributors bring a wide variety of fresh beer to licensed independent and chain retailers throughout the state.
How Do KBWA Members Benefit Kentucky?
01. PROUD KENTUCKY SMALL BUSINESSES
All KBWA members are locally owned, Kentucky-based, small businesses with a proud history of community service, job creation and investments in our commonwealth.
02. PROUD KENTUCKY EMPLOYERS
KBWA members employ more than 1,630 individuals in communities across the commonwealth. Our industry promotes good paying jobs in a wide variety of fields ranging from logistics to sales and business administration.
03. PROUD MEMBERS OF KENTUCKY'S LOGISTICAL INDUSTRY
KBWA members are a proud part of Kentucky’s logistical industry, operating fleets of semi-trucks and other delivery vehicles along with distribution facilities across the state.
04. PROUD PARTNERS TO KENTUCKY BREWERS
KBWA members are proud partners to Kentucky’s many craft brewers, helping put these delicious and refreshing brands on store shelves and flowing from taps at local bars and restaurants.
05. PROUD REPRESENTATIVES OF MAJOR BEER BRANDS
KBWA members also deliver major internationally recognized brands to Kentucky customers, including products from Anheuser-Busch, Miller-Coors and many other brands.
06. PROUD PARTNERS TO RETAILERS, RESTAURANTS, BARS AND VENUES
KBWA members work behind the scenes to ensure consumers at retail, bar, restaurant and other venues have access to a wide variety of delicious beers. Our members not only deliver the products to these venues, but also stock shelves, install promotional displays and help our retail, bar and restaurant partners meet ever-changing consumer interests.