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…