Press Release:

(Milwaukee, WI) – Lakefront Brewery, Inc. announced a 21.4% production increase in 2013. The locally-owned craft brewery packaged 40,496 barrels of beer, up from 33,368 barrels in 2012.

Brewery President Russ Klisch attributed the increase to double-digit growth of the brewery’s core brands as well as expanded brewing capacity. Klisch also credited the brewery’s growth to Milwaukee beer distributor, Beer Capitol, having reached 237,000 case equivalents at the end 2013: a 17.8% increase from last year. Klisch stated, “Our distribution partners did a great job promoting our beers to achieve this growth.”

Brewery Marketing Director, Chris Johnson, credited the brewery’s record numbers to strong draft sales, “Our Wisconsin distributors had an incredible year with on premise draft sales.” Johnson added that the brewery expanded its out-of-state keg distribution last year, “I was pleased with our out-of-state distributors’ enthusiasm when we gave them the option to order kegs.”

During late 2013, the brewery extended its evening tour times seven days a week, and began offering locally sourced light fare options to visitors. Brewery Hospitality Manager, Jessica Koehler, called this a “natural step” to provide a better visitor experience at the brewery. She went on to say, “Now we can offer visitors a true taste of Milwaukee and Wisconsin.”

Lakefront Brewery, Inc. was started in 1987 and is celebrating its 26th anniversary this year. The brewery distributes its products to 35 states, Israel and Canada. Lakefront Brewery, Inc. was the first brewery to brew a government-approved, gluten-free beer, New Grist, and brews the oldest USDA-certified organic beer, Organic ESB. For more information, visit www.lakefrontbrewery.com or call (414) 372-8800.