ANNAPOLIS, Md. (February 21, 2024) – The Maryland craft beverage industry is excited to share the news of a strategic partnership with TBC, a leading full-service branding, advertising and public relations agency based in Baltimore. This groundbreaking partnership, spearheaded by the Brewers Association of Maryland and in collaboration with the Maryland Wineries Association, the Maryland Distillers Guild and a dedicated committee of craft beverage alcohol manufacturers, is set to redefine the landscape of locally crafted beer, wine, spirits, mead and cider in Maryland and the mid-Atlantic region.
In 2023, the Brewers Association of Maryland and the committee secured grant funding from the Maryland Alcohol Manufacturers Promotional Fund to launch a comprehensive initiative aimed at elevating Maryland-made craft beverage alcohol products. Through this partnership with TBC, this project will harness the agency’s expertise in branding and marketing to create a powerful platform for showcasing the unique identity and exceptional quality of Maryland’s craft beverage industry.
“We are thrilled to announce our partnership with TBC,” said Kelly Dudeck, executive director of the Brewers Association of Maryland and spokesperson for the industry. “With their creative vision and strategic insights, we are confident that this collaboration will not only elevate local brands but also drive significant economic impact for our state.”
The partnership will kick off its first phase this February with in-depth industry research and discovery to gain insights into the diverse landscape of Maryland’s craft beverage alcohol sector. Throughout the Spring of 2024, TBC will work closely with industry stakeholders to define a compelling brand identity that reflects the rich heritage and innovation of Maryland’s craft beverage industry. This phase of the project is slated to culminate in the unveiling of a new industry-wide brand by early Fall.
“We couldn’t imagine a better fit as a strategic and creative agency that has developed and catapulted new brands into markets for decades—combined with a variety of unique personal roots that connect with the industry,” said Bill Ward, EVP and managing director at TBC. “The passion we felt from this collective group during the process of pursuing this opportunity ignited our desire to lead this charge. This also fuels our pride to continuously invigorate interest in TBC’s home state of business for 50 years (and counting).”
With Maryland’s craft beverage industry facing challenges in promotional efforts compared to neighboring states like Pennsylvania and Virginia, this partnership aims to level the playing field and position Maryland as a premier destination for craft beverage enthusiasts. With an annual economic impact of nearly $6 billion and more than 57,000 full-time jobs supported by the industry, the potential for growth and prosperity is immense.
For more information or to become a member of the Brewers Association of Maryland, visit marylandbeer.org.
About TBC
Founded in 1974, TBC is an independently owned, full-service branding, advertising and public relations agency with headquarters in Baltimore, Maryland, USA. Combining strategy and data to drive results, the agency’s services include advertising, brand strategy and branding, content strategy & copywriting, social media, public relations, media planning, buying & analytics, and digital marketing. TBC also maintains an affiliate, in-house TV and broadcast production company, Charles Street Films. To learn more, visit tbc.us.
About the Brewers Association of Maryland
The Brewers Association of Maryland, founded in 1999, is the non-profit trade association of Maryland brewing companies. The mission of BAM is to grow, promote, and protect the Maryland craft beer industry. Representing more than 100 licensed, operating Maryland breweries, the Brewers Association of Maryland is committed to producing memorable beer experiences for craft beer consumers. Events produced and promoted by the Brewers Association of Maryland are fundraisers and directly benefit our craft brewing industry.
About the Maryland Wineries Association
The Maryland Wineries Association (MWA), formed in 1984, is a non-profit trade association representing more than 85 member wineries in Maryland. MWA’s mission is to develop and expand Maryland’s grape and wine industry – through education and promotion.
About the Maryland Distillers Guild
Members of the Maryland Distillers Guild are a community of craft producers, dedicated to developing quality spirits and delivering a dynamic experience for visitors. We invite you to tour our distilleries, learn about our distilling processes, and sample locally crafted spirits. Cheers to a rich heritage and spirited future! Information about the Maryland Distillers Guild is updated at marylandspirits.org.
