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 third generation made an incredible impact on the business, most notably after being awarded the distribution rights of Coors Brewing Co. in 1986.
Kramer Beverage moved from Atlantic City to Pleasantville in 1981 and then the company moved to Hammonton in 2002 where they remain today.
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,” Mark Kramer, President of Kramer Beverage, said.
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.
Mark Kramer spoke about the impact Kramer Cares has made on the community.
“I am so proud of the Kramer Cares committee. We meet as a group each month to look at opportunities to give back. We are regulars at the monthly food distribution in Hammonton for the Hope Exists Foundation. We have helped at the Community Food Bank of New Jersey, the Ronald McDonald House and the Cathedral Kitchen, just to name a few. We also collect donations of food, clothing and funds for various drives. We will be hosting a blood drive on April 19. All of us are proud of what we have been able to accomplish and it feels great to give back,” he said.
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.
“It is very rewarding to be part of a family business that has reached 100 years. It has been a true honor to follow in the footsteps of my parents, grandparents and great-grandparents. I think about the hard work, struggle, perseverance and luck that allowed our company to stay alive in good times and bad. There were many times over the decades where it was unclear if we would be able to keep the business going. All of us at the company are forever indebted to those who helped Kramer Beverage survive and ultimately thrive,” Mark Kramer said.
To celebrate 100 years, Kramer Beverage will have a company event in April at the building for employees, their families and other invited guests.
During October, there will be a more formal event in Atlantic City as well as smaller celebrations throughout the year.
Mark Kramer said the key to a successful business is people.
“We are very fortunate to have an amazing group of employees that take pride in their work and it really shows with the outstanding customer service that we strive to provide on a daily basis,” he said.
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.