HAMMONTON – Kramer Beverage, a leading name in the beverage distribution industry, proudly announces its centennial milestone, celebrating 100 years of success, growth, and unwavering commitment to its customers, suppliers, and employees.
Founded in 1924 by Benjamin Kramer, Kramer Beverage began as a soft drink bottler and distributor with four trucks and ten employees in Atlantic City. Following the repeal of Prohibition in 1933, Benjamin’s son, Arnold, joined the business, and the company purchased the distribution rights to both the Ballantine and Piels beer brands, which led to the purchase of a 35,000 sq. ft warehouse on Virginia Ave and steady growth through the 1950s.
Arnold’s son, Charles, entered the business in 1964. Following Arnold’s retirement and during the financial decline of Atlantic City during the ’60s and ’70s, Charles became President. Charles’s wife, Lynn, entered the business in the ‘70s and became the company’s CFO for over 30 years. In addition, Charles’s brother, Stephen, also joined the company focusing on operations until the mid ‘80s. The 3rd generation made an incredible impact on the business, most notably after being awarded the distribution rights of Coors Brewing Co. in 1986.
Today, under the leadership of Charles and his son, Mark Kramer, Kramer Beverage has exceeded over 600 brands and over 65 suppliers, including Molson Coors, Boston Beer, and Constellation Brands, selling over 10 million cases of beer, wine, and spirits last year.
Now, with more than 310 employees and servicing over 3,200 miles of Atlantic, Burlington, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Mercer, and Salem counties in South Jersey, Kramer Beverage remains committed to delivering exceptional service to both their customers and suppliers, continuing to embrace innovation, and make a positive impact in the region.
“I am extremely proud to represent the fourth generation of the Kramer family to lead our company. We thank our many coworkers, both past and present, that have made this milestone possible. Our excitement to start our second century is extremely high, and we are ready to meet and exceed the needs of our retailer partners,” says Mark Kramer, President.
Beyond beer distribution, Kramer Beverage is proud of its longstanding tradition of community engagement through “Kramer Cares”, an internal committee that was dedicated to Charles’ late wife, Lynn, who was passionate about philanthropy and dedicated a great deal of time making a positive impact in the community. Kramer Cares is eager to continue Lynn’s legacy by actively supporting local charities, participating in community events, and striving to make a difference.
As Kramer Beverage celebrates its 100th anniversary, the company looks forward to building on its rich legacy. With a renewed commitment to innovation, service, and community, Kramer Beverage is poised for continued growth and success.
About Kramer Beverage
Kramer Beverage is South Jersey’s largest beer wholesaler and is owned and operated by the Kramer family – through four generations – since 1924. Kramer Beverage is based out of Hammonton and serves an eight-county footprint in South Jersey with top brands from Molson Coors, Constellation, Yuengling, Boston Beer, Heineken USA, Pabst, Diageo, FIFCO, and others. Kramer Beverage also distributes wine, spirits, and a variety of craft beers from suppliers such as New Belgium and Sierra Nevada to local favorites, including Cape May Brewing, Flying Fish, MudHen, Double Nickel, Evil Genius, and Glasstown. For more information on Kramer Beverage, please visit www.kramerbev.com.