Beverage Giants Terminated Coors Distributing Agreements
Constellation Brands and Mark Anthony Brands have ended their contracts with the Denver-based distributor.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Beer
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Major beverage companies Constellation Brands and Mark Anthony Brands have terminated their distribution agreements with Coors Distributing Company. The Denver-based distributor is now challenging the decisions through legal action.
Why it matters
The loss of these major contracts represents a significant shift for a long-standing local distributor serving 32 breweries. Coors Distributing Company is currently exploring legal and commercial options to address the abrupt contract terminations.
Founded in 1971, Coors Distributing Company currently supports 32 breweries and maintains a workforce of over 400 employees. The company functions as a wholly owned subsidiary of Molson Coors.
The players
Coors Distributing Company
This Denver-based beverage distributor is a wholly owned subsidiary of Molson Coors.
Constellation Brands
This international producer and marketer of beer, wine, and spirits has opted to exit the Denver market.
Mark Anthony Brands
This beverage company is moving its local distribution business to a new partner.
Reyes Beverage Group
This entity is set to take over the Denver distribution business previously handled by the subsidiary.
The details
Constellation Brands notified the distributor of its intent to exit the Denver market within a 30-day window, while Mark Anthony Brands announced it would transition its local business to Reyes Beverage Group. In response, the subsidiary has launched legal efforts to contest the validity of these terminations under regional franchise laws.
Timeline
Coors Distributing Company was founded in 1971.
Contract terminations were announced in September 2026.
Roadmap
This dispute highlights the complex legal protections afforded to distributors under Colorado franchise laws. Such transitions often indicate a broader trend of manufacturers seeking to consolidate logistics with larger, multi-market partners like Reyes Beverage Group.
Residents in Denver may notice shifts in product availability or retail distribution as the local firm navigates these contract changes. The dispute could lead to operational adjustments that affect how various brands reach neighborhood retailers and bars.
The takeaway
The move underscores the vulnerability of regional distributors when facing decisions by major national beverage manufacturers. Local partners often rely on long-term agreements to sustain their staffing levels and operational scale.
Further reading
For more on the local industry, visit our Beer section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Inc..
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