In the world of craft beer, it’s rare to see a regional brewery consistently post double-digit growth — especially as the craft beer category contracts. But that’s exactly what Iowa-based Big Grove Brewery has done, posting strong gains every year since 2018. The company is now on track to sell more than 500,000 cases in 2025 — with a full 90% of those sales coming from within Iowa.
In this episode, we sit down with Matt Swift, Big Grove’s co-founder and CEO, to find out how he’s building one of the most successful breweries in the country by doing things a little differently.
Matt shares how he:
Built a best-selling product line in the Easy Eddy hazy IPA family
Created deep community ties through taprooms, university partnerships, and local philanthropy
Took a deliberate “inch wide, mile deep” strategy — dominating in-state sales before expanding
Structured the portfolio into clearly defined product “families” that drive trial and loyalty at shelf
Continued investing in draft sales, even as other craft brands pulled back
Works with distributors as true partnerships, planning A&P budgets and activations 9 months out
We also talk about the risks Matt wishes he’d taken earlier, how he approaches SKU rationalization, and why he believes lighter, lower-alc and non-alc beers will play a big part in the future of the category.
If you’re a beverage entrepreneur thinking about growth — whether via taprooms, retail, or distributor relationships — this episode is filled with battle-tested insights. Don’t miss it.
Last Call:
In this week’s sponsored Last Call, we talk with Alex Cherniavsky, Managing Partner at SWIG Partners, about how to turn new distributor relationships into long-term success.
SWIG is a supplier–distributor matchmaking service that’s placed dozens of brands — and Alex has seen what works (and what fails). In this episode, she shares the most common missteps and how to avoid them.
Don’t miss our next episode, dropping on 8/13.
For the latest updates, follow us:
Business of Drinks:
Erica Duecy, co-host: Erica Duecy is founder and co-host of Business of Drinks and one of the drinks industry’s most accomplished digital and content strategists. She runs the consultancy and advisory arm of Business of Drinks and has built publishing and marketing programs for Drizly, VinePair, SevenFifty, and other hospitality and drinks tech companies.
Scott Rosenbaum, co-host: Scott Rosenbaum is co-host of Business of Drinks and a veteran strategist and analyst with deep experience building drinks portfolios. Most recently, he was the Portfolio Development Director at Distill Ventures. Prior to that, he was the Vice President of T. Edward Wines & Spirits, a New York-based importer and distributor.
Caroline Lamb, contributor: Caroline is a producer and on-air contributor at Business of Drinks and a key account sales and marketing specialist at AHD Vintners, a Michigan-based importer and distributor.
SPONSOR: SWIG Partners is exclusively offering $100 off their supplier-distributor matchmaking fee when you mention the Business of Drinks podcast, or inquire via this link: https://www.swigpartners.com/businessofdrinks
If you enjoyed today’s conversation, follow Business of Drinks wherever you’re listening, and don’t forget to rate and review us. Your support helps us reach new listeners passionate about the drinks industry. Thank you!