ARCHIVED  April 13, 2007

New Belgium, Odell in national beer ratings

FORT COLLINS – New Belgium Brewing Co. Inc. in Fort Collins is rated third among the top 50 craft brewing companies in the nation based on 2006 sales as tabulated by the Brewers Association.

Another Fort Collins brewery, Odell Brewing Co., was ranked 31st on the list.

New Belgium was also rated ninth in sales in the top 50 overall brewing companies, going up against such heavyweights as Anheuser-Busch Inc. (No. 1), Miller Brewing Co. (No. 2) and Molson-Coors Brewing Co. (No. 3).

“Craft brewing is one of the fastest-growing segments in America, so it’s a very exciting time to be part of that segment,´ said Bryan Simpson, New Belgium spokesman. “We’ve been holding third place for the last several years, so it’s a great place to be.”

Simpson said New Belgium sold 437,000 barrels of beer last year in 16 states, earning about $80 million. New Belgium’s distribution territory includes all Western states except Utah and Oklahoma and as far east as Chicago. Simpson said Iowa and Minnesota will be added to that list in 2007.

Simpson said New Belgium is adding a new packaging line that should be operational by June, which will double its present capacity. He said the company, which sells such brands as Fat Tire, Sunshine Wheat, Blue Paddle and 1554, experienced 18 percent growth in 2006.

New Belgium, founded in 1991, is owned by Kim Jordan. Peter Bouckaert is the brewmaster for the 275-employee company located at 500 Linden St.

FORT COLLINS – New Belgium Brewing Co. Inc. in Fort Collins is rated third among the top 50 craft brewing companies in the nation based on 2006 sales as tabulated by the Brewers Association.

Another Fort Collins brewery, Odell Brewing Co., was ranked 31st on the list.

New Belgium was also rated ninth in sales in the top 50 overall brewing companies, going up against such heavyweights as Anheuser-Busch Inc. (No. 1), Miller Brewing Co. (No. 2) and Molson-Coors Brewing Co. (No. 3).

“Craft brewing is one of the fastest-growing segments in America, so it’s a very exciting time to be part…

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