Silver Spring, Md., June 4 - Hook & Ladder Brewing Company, a Washington, D.C.-area venture started by a volunteer firefighter and his business-minded brother, is bucking negative economic trends and experiencing tremendous growth this year -- despite the fact that the mission-based business donates a portion of all sales to charity and continues to face the industry challenges of escalating transportation and ingredient costs. According to annual statistics for the beer industry recently released by The New Brewer magazine, Hook & Ladder experienced the greatest percentage growth of any non-brewpub craft brewer in the nation in 2007.
Industry statistics from the Brewers Association reveal that Hook & Ladder experienced 688% growth in 2007, the biggest percentage increase among craft brewers providing beers solely through a distribution network. In October 2006, Hook & Ladder had just one wholesale distributor and was available only in the D.C. market. Hook & Ladder brews are now available in 20 states and Washington, D.C., distributed by more than 80 wholesale partners. Hook & Ladder can be found in top markets including New York, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C. Nationwide expansion and plans for the company's first restaurant and brewery will spread the company's mission into more American communities.
Hook & Ladder was founded on the mission of building a business while giving back to each community in which its beers are sold. Hook & Ladder and its wholesale partners provide donations to local burn centers and firefighter burn organizations through the A Penny in Every Pint(R) and A Quarter in Every Case(R) programs. A Quarter in Every Case(R) donates 25 cents from each case sold and A Penny in Every Pint(R) donates $4 from each barrel. These efforts have raised over $40,000 in the past 20 months alone.
Based on Hook & Ladder sales figures, it is evident that consumers appreciate the fact that the beer they drink gives back to their local heroes. CEO Matt Fleischer said, "This is just the tip of the iceberg for our company's expansion this year, which is remarkable given the challenges facing craft brewers. Just three months into 2008 we exceeded all of our 2007 production totals and anticipate tenfold growth for Hook & Ladder as we add new distribution channels and get ready to break ground on our D.C.-area restaurant and brewery."
Hook & Ladder produces three beers: the Great American Beer Festival Gold Medalist Golden Ale(R), the new lower-calorie ale Hook & Ladder LIGHTER(TM) and Backdraft Brown(R), champion of the prestigious 2008 Washington Post Beer Madness competition.