Bevport, a minority-owned business originally established to streamline distribution for small breweries, is now extending its support to Black-owned breweries in collaboration with the National Black Brewer’s Association (NB2A). As NB2A’s “business council partner,” Bevport aims to address the challenges faced by Black brewers, particularly in accessing markets and distribution channels.
Kevin Asato, Executive Director of NB2A, emphasized the significance of this partnership in facilitating the association’s mission of promoting Black brewery ownership and overcoming barriers to success. Bevport’s distribution model offers access to markets, retailers, and consumers that have traditionally been difficult for minority-owned breweries to reach.
Phil Guana, Managing Partner at Bevport, underscored the company’s commitment to supporting minority-owned businesses within the craft beer industry. Recognizing the underrepresentation of Black and brown people in the industry, Bevport aims to empower brewers by providing them with the distribution opportunities they deserve. Guana emphasized the goal of creating a more equitable and inclusive industry while offering consumers a wider range of beer choices and enabling breweries to achieve higher profit margins and greater growth opportunities.
NB2A, founded by NBA Legend Kevin Johnson, is a membership-based non-profit organization dedicated to advocating for the Black brewing community. Governed by a board of directors composed of Black brewery owners and brewmasters across the United States, NB2A strives to promote and support Black-owned breweries.
Bevport’s innovative digital distribution portal, designed to comply with three-tier regulations, offers a cost-effective e-commerce solution for breweries. With plans to expand into key markets across the US, Bevport provides brewers with entry into states at a reduced cost, bypassing traditional distribution barriers and immediately connecting them with thousands of buying accounts through delivery partners.
In a recent collaboration with Country Malt Group (CMG), Bevport further enhanced its support for breweries, offering increased visibility and growth opportunities. Founded by industry veterans James Williams and Philip Guana, Bevport represents a significant advancement for craft brewers, enabling them to overcome major entry barriers and gain access to distribution channels tailored to their needs. Williams emphasized that breweries can now bypass the lengthy process of signing with large distributors and opt for a more personalized approach that prioritizes their interests.