Rupee Beer’s nationwide retail rollout continues to gather momentum, this time via a distribution deal with Trader Joe’s, a nationwide chain headquartered in Monrovia, Calif.
The deal, unveiled Thursday, puts the Indian-style lager launched by brothers Sumit and Van Sharma into the Mid-Atlantic region, including all Trader Joe’s locations in Washington, D.C. The move comes four months after Rupee Beer signed on with three other major U.S. retailers.
“Rupee is growing fast and we are grateful for the opportunity to enter Trader Joe’s, alongside already having a presence at several other major national chains such as Costco, Whole Foods and Total Wine,” Van Sharma told Mainebiz.
He also said they plan to launch in 10 more states in the coming months, with some international launches planned for later this year, in the fourth quarter.
“We are also focused on building a fantastic team to help facilitate Rupee’s growth and expansion,” he added, albeit without sharing any hiring-plan details.
Sumit and Van Sharma grew up in Portland and brew Rupee Beer in Massachusetts, though the long-term goal is to create a base in Maine’s largest city. The brothers were honored on the Mainebiz Next Up: 40 Under 40 list in 2022.
Podcast
The brothers’ parents are long-time restaurateurs who own the Bombay Mahal restaurant in Brunswick.
Hear the full Rupee Beer story on Episode 58 of the Mainebiz podcast, “The Day That Changed Everything,” available here and wherever you get your podcasts.
