Mississippi River Distilling Co. joins Parallel Brewery Collective

In an unusual partnership, four of Iowa’s leading craft beverage brands – including Mississippi River Distilling Company – are joining forces to expand their sales reach by delivering their similar, Iowa-made products to more shelves, bars, and consumers. MRDC announced in a news release that as of Tuesday, April 1, it became the fourth full member of the Parallel Brewery Collective. It’s a collaborative partnership that also includes SingleSpeed Brewing in Waterloo, Backpocket Brewing in Coralville, Five Cities Brewing in Bettendorf. The collective, created more than a year ago by Backpocket and SingleSpeed, was joined by Five Cities in the spring of 2024. “This is about great Iowa companies working together to make it easier for people to experience the incredible products we create,” Ryan Burchett, MRDC’s owner and founder, said in the release. “By joining the Parallel Brewery Collective, we’re not just sharing resources – we’re creating a powerful opportunity for retailers to carry the best of Iowa craft under one roof. It’s a win-win for everyone.” The groundbreaking alliance between the four competitors streamlines access to top-tier Iowa craft beer and spirits through a single point of contact. While allowing the four businesses to remain independently owned, the venture creates new sales opportunities and opens doors for all the partners.

Simplifying the process

“We’ve heard from retailers time and again that they want to work with local brands, but managing multiple vendors can be a challenge,” added Dave Morgan, founder of SingleSpeed Brewing. “With this collective, we’re simplifying that process while giving retailers an easy way to showcase the best craft beverages Iowa has to offer.” Mr. Burchett told the QCBJ on Wednesday, April 2, that the four companies’ Iowa sales will primarily run through the collective. But each company also is maintaining its individual sales teams. He said MRDC has a full-time sales director who is based in Chicago. Under the arrangement, he added each partner makes a financial contribution to the collective to cover the cost of four sales employees, who are out selling Iowa’s best craft spirits and beers. “But the partnership goes beyond that as we are buying supplies collectively, meeting as management together, and sharing resources between our tasting room managers, etc.,” Mr Burchett said. “It’s really a full business engagement across four independent companies, which is very cool.” For the breweries, the partnership opens doors to retail partners that already carry MRDC’s award-winning spirits. In turn, the distillery – which has a second location in downtown Davenport –  gains access to new markets already familiar with the well-loved Iowa beers. “This partnership is about putting great products in front of more people,” Nick Bandy, director for the Parallel Brewery Collective, said in the release. “We’re breaking down barriers for retailers and expanding access for our brands.” Parallel Brewery Collective’s website points out how the alliance represents four distinct brands, seven taprooms, two tasting rooms and six manufacturing locations all in Iowa.

‘Working smarter’

“This is about working smarter,” Backpocket Brewing’ Aaron Vargas added. “By joining forces, we’re creating more opportunities to reach customers who love craft beverages. With Mississippi River Distilling Company on board, we’re offering something no one else is – an easy way to stock premium Iowa beer and spirits from one team that understands the market.” Noting how the collaboration’s new and innovative approach is rarely seen in the business world, the Parallel Brewery Collective said the move allows members to share expertise and resources while maintaining their own creativity and community connections. “Our brands are stronger together,” said Nick Cervine of Five Cities Brewing, the collective’s other Quad Cities-based member. “Retailers know and trust these names, and now we’re making it easier for them to get all their favorite Iowa products in one place.” Mr. Burchett said MRDC is no stranger to the power of collaboration. “This is an opportunity for growth that we couldn’t achieve on our own. It’s about amplifying our impact and working with people we respect to push the boundaries of what’s possible.”

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This story was originally published in the Quad Cities Regional Business Journal, the CBJ's sister publication.