Craft beer just keeps moving along and the latest business deal struck between Carnival Cruise lines and Tampa’s Cigar City Brewing is proof that the business of great beer is growing and spreading its influence.
Carnival Cruises, the largest cruise line in the United States, has entered into an exclusive agreement with Cigar City Brewing to sell Cigar City beer on all of the cruise lines’ Florida- based ships. The deal includes Cigar City Cracker Belgian White Ale and Invasion Pale Ale, both of which will be available on all Carnival ships sailing from any of Florida’s five ports. The deal is the largest of its kind between a craft brewery and a major cruise line and both sides are confident the decision is the right one for Carnival and its passengers.
“Carnival continues to seek high-quality brands to enhance our guests’ experience, and Cigar City Brewing has been rated among the top craft breweries in the world,” said Eddie Allen, Carnival’s vice president of beverage operations. “Cigar City Brewing craft beers are a fantastic addition to our already extensive beverage menus and will provide our guests a chance to enjoy two delicious and refreshing beers that aren’t available on any other cruise line.”
Cigar City Brewing National Sales Manager Joe Burns is equally excited with the business arrangement.
“Cigar City Brewing could not be happier than to partner with another great Florida institution, that being Carnival Cruise Lines. Everyone at Cigar City Brewing is thrilled to start this wonderful partnership,” said Burns.
Carnival sails more of its ships from Florida than any other state, with cruises that send passengers to the Caribbean islands, Mexico, and the Bahamas. With 13 different ships sailing from Florida carrying a total of more than 2 million passengers annually, the opportunities for Cigar City Brewing are immense. Cigar City is already well- established as a Florida craft brewery and its products are highly respected in the craft beer community. With so many potential new customers, the opportunities to expand name recognition and build its customer base are incredible.
Cigar City Brewing was undoubtedly selected for its high quality products, but another factor was likely its use of aluminum cans. Craft breweries have been gradually moving to cans for the past few years and for a cruise ship, cans are ideal. Aluminum cannot shatter, so there is no worry about broken glass in areas where passengers swim and walk. Cigar City Cracker Belgian White Ale and Invasion Pale Ale are both packaged in cans, so there is no problem taking them poolside.
By signing a deal with a major cruise line, Cigar City Brewing has set a trend that will hopefully be followed quickly by other cruise lines and other craft breweries. Say what you will about the craft beer industry and the possibility that it could be growing too quickly- Cigar City Brewing has proven once again that America’s craft brewing business is strong and growing stronger each day. We look forward to the day when a wide assortment of craft beer is offered on all cruise lines and on all ships and Great Beer Now is convinced that it’s only a matter of time before all of the major cruise lines improve their beverage offerings.
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