Stone Distributing Co. (SDC) announces plans to expand its SoCal operation marked by its move to a significantly larger distribution warehouse in San Marcos, CA. SDC, founded by Stone Brewing, is among the nation’s largest distributors of independent craft-centric beverages.
SDC’s new distribution headquarters, a former AB Inbev warehouse, will accommodate 100,000 square-feet of cold storage capacity for its portfolio of brands including Modern Times, Oskar Blues, Pizza Port, Juneshine, Victory, AleSmith, Cigar City, Societe Brewing and Duvel among others.
“SDC was born of necessity in 1996 when distributors declined Stone’s bold and hop-forward beers, but today it’s a major contributor to Stone Brewing’s success,” explained Maria Stipp, Stone Brewing CEO. “SDC has proven to be a powerhouse for the SoCal craft market. We’re doubling down our focus on this part of the business, which has given so much to Stone and the craft beer community.”
The distributor’s move to San Marcos is ceremonious in more ways than one. On February 2, 1996 – 25 years ago this week – Stone received the keys to what would become its first brewery on Mata Way in San Marcos. The team spent nearly a decade there before building its flagship brewery and Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens in Escondido.
“We are thrilled that Stone Brewing is coming back home to San Marcos,” said Mayor Rebecca Jones. “They opened their original San Marcos location 25 years ago in what is now The Lost Abbey, and we are delighted they are returning to their roots. Attracting, retailing and expanding businesses is at the forefront of what we do in San Marcos, and Stone Brewing is a prime example of a beloved North County business creating new jobs and boosting the local economy. Stone now has locations in four of Innovate78’s North County cities.”
SDC accounts for 30% share of the craft beer market in San Diego and 15% share in Los Angeles County. Despite COVID-19 challenges, the business posted a recent 32% increase in San Diego and 34% in Los Angeles.* With undeniable growth, Stone will prioritize SDC and the SoCal market in its 2021 strategy.
The company signaled this direction last month, when it signed San Diego mainstay Societe Brewing and Los Angeles newcomer Jiant Hard Kombucha to its portfolio. The team hopes to continue expansion of its portfolio this year.
SDC’s current distribution warehouse in Escondido will transition to house the brewery’s raw material and packaging storage. Stone’s flagship brewery and packaging hall continues operations in Escondido, CA.
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