Central States Beverage Company
Central States Beverage Company is a family-owned wholesale distributor of beer, spirits, and non-alcoholic beverages serving licensed retailers across Kansas and Missouri from its Kansas City headquarters, distributing 5+ million cases annually.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1932
- HeadquartersKansas City, United States
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Central States Beverage Company does
Central States Beverage Company, operating from Kansas City, Missouri as a successor to the High Life Sales Company founded May 28, 1932, is a wholesale distributor of alcoholic beverages serving licensed on-premise and off-premise retailers across the states of Kansas and Missouri. Its core function is purchasing alcoholic beverages from breweries and distilleries (anchored by its founding partner Miller Brewing Company and expanded across major national brewers, regional craft breweries, and a growing spirits and RTD book) and reselling them at wholesale to licensed retail accounts that include liquor stores, convenience stores, grocery, restaurants, bars, hotels, and entertainment venues. The company distributes more than 5 million cases per year and supports its retail accounts with value-added services including draft beer maintenance, point-of-sale installation, quality audits, and category management.
The company's product surface spans beer (macro and craft), distilled spirits, hard seltzers, hard ciders, premium canned cocktails, and a growing non-alcoholic segment. Core technology components are operational rather than innovative: the EO Market self-serve online ordering portal (orders, invoices, balance overview, delivery confirmation), JDA Space Planning for category management at retail, and OpenDock for dock delivery appointment scheduling. Field sales and direct delivery remain the primary commercial motion, with an active program of venue sponsorships across Kansas City sports and entertainment venues (Kauffman Stadium, T-Mobile Center, Starlight Theater, Power and Light District) used to deepen on-premise presence.
Revenue is generated on a wholesale spread basis with price competition set by state regulatory frameworks; pricing for the company's own roles is benchmarked at $18/hour entry-level for Sales Merchandisers plus mileage reimbursement. The customer mix is broad and fragmented across hundreds of licensed retailers in two states, while supplier concentration leans on Molson Coors (Miller/Coors) as the largest single anchor. The company employs approximately 200 team members at its Kansas City headquarters, has no disclosed institutional or private equity ownership, and operates as a locally family-owned private business that has grown continuously since 1932.
Central States Beverage Company firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Central States Beverage Company
- Legal name
- High Life Sales Company
- Website
- https://csbev.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1932
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- Central States Beverage Company is a family-owned wholesale distributor of beer, spirits, and non-alcoholic beverages serving licensed retailers across Kansas and Missouri from its Kansas City headquarters, distributing 5+ million cases annually.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Central States Beverage Company industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Wholesale Beverage Distribution
- NAICS
- Beer, Wine, and Distilled Alcoholic Beverage Merchant Wholesalers (4248), Beer and Ale Merchant Wholesalers (42481)
- SIC
- Wholesale-Beer, Wine & Distilled Alcoholic Beverages (5180)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Beer, Wine & Spirits Wholesale Distribution (CRAOAIAA)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Alcoholic Beverage Wholesale (Beer, Wine, Spirits) (AFAIAGAA)
Keywords
Where Central States Beverage Company is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Kansas City
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Central States Beverage Company business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Wholesale Beverage Distribution: Company purchases beverages from breweries and brands (Miller, craft beer, spirits) and resells to licensed retailers in Kansas and Missouri at wholesale margins
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | Entry-level Sales Merchandiser |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels2 records
Marketing channels5 records
Central States Beverage Company product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Central States Beverage Company is a wholesale distributor that purchases alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages from breweries, distilleries, and brand owners and resells them at wholesale margins to licensed retailers across Kansas and Missouri. The portfolio spans beer (Miller/Molson Coors, craft breweries such as Boulevard, Schlafly, 4 Hands, Founders, Lagunitas), distilled spirits and canned cocktails, hard seltzers and ciders, and a growing non-alcoholic selection, with annual case volume exceeding 5 million cases.
Product overview
Central States Beverage Company is a wholesale beverage distributor offering two core product lines: beer and spirits distribution to licensed retailers in Kansas and Missouri. The company distributes multiple product lines with annual case volume exceeding 5 million cases. Their portfolio includes major Miller Brewing brands (their original distribution partner since 1932), craft beer brands (Boulevard, Schlafly, 4 Hands, Crane, Prost, Founders, Lagunitas, Holidaily, Bootstrap, Martin City, Mother's, Hop Valley), spirits and canned cocktails (Mean Mule, Waterbird, Lone River), hard ciders (Shacksbury), and a growing non-alcoholic beverage selection. The company also operates an online ordering platform (EO Market) for their retail customers. They provide value-added services including draft beer maintenance, point-of-sale installation, quality audits, and category management for retail accounts.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Beer Distribution Wholesale distribution of beer to licensed retailers in Kansas and Missouri, including Miller/Molson Coors macro-beer brands and a broad craft brewery portfolio (Boulevard, Schlafly, 4 Hands, Founders, Lagunitas, Prost, Mother's, Martin City, Crane, Holidaily, Hop Valley, Bootstrap).
- Spirits Distribution Wholesale distribution of distilled spirits and canned cocktails (including Mean Mule Distilling agave spirits and Waterbird premium canned cocktails) to licensed on-premise and off-premise retailers in Kansas and Missouri.
- Non-Alcoholic Beverage Portfolio Wholesale distribution of non-alcoholic beverages including craft non-alcoholic beers from brands such as Holidaily, Boulevard, and Lagunitas, plus non-alcoholic options in the craft portfolio.
- EO Market Online Ordering Platform Self-serve digital ordering platform enabling licensed retailer customers to view recent orders, previous invoices, check account balance, and confirm upcoming delivery dates online.
Quantifiable outcome
- Over 5 million cases distributed annually
- +1 more outcomes
Companies that use Central States Beverage Company
Customer profileNamed customers1 record
Segments2 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
Central States Beverage Company technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature1 record
Central States Beverage Company partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
26 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Miller Brewing CompanycoreOriginal distribution partnership established May 28, 1932 - Miller Brewing Company appointed Central States Beverage as the distributor for Miller brands in Kansas City, Missouri. This founding relationship established the company's presence in the beverage distribution industry.
- Kauffman StadiumminorVenue sponsorship - beverages served at Kansas City's Kauffman Stadium
- T-Mobile CenterminorVenue sponsorship - beverages served at Kansas City's T-Mobile Center entertainment venue
- Starlight TheaterminorVenue sponsorship - beverages served at Starlight Theater venue
- Kansas City Power and Light DistrictminorEntertainment district sponsorship - beverages served throughout the Power and Light District
- Providence Medical Center AmphitheatreminorVenue sponsorship - beverages served at Providence Medical Center Amphitheatre
- KC Sports CommissionminorSports marketing partnership - sponsors various race events including the KC Marathon
- Boulevard Brewing CompanycoreDistribution partner for Boulevard Brewing Company products in Kansas and Missouri markets. Central States distributes Boulevard's full portfolio including craft beers, barrel-aged series, non-alcoholic options, and hard seltzers.
- Duvel USAcoreDistribution partner for Duvel USA brands including Duvel, Ommegang, and related craft beer portfolio
- Schlafly Brewing Co.coreDistribution partner for Schlafly Brewing Co. beverages in Missouri market
- 4 Hands Brewing Co.coreDistribution partner for 4 Hands Brewing Co. beverages in Kansas market
- Boston Beer CompanycoreDistribution partner for Boston Beer Company brands including Samuel Adams, Truly Hard Seltzer, Twisted Tea, Angry Orchard, and Dogfish Head
- Molson CoorscoreDistribution partner for Molson Coors brands including Miller and Coors products
- Lagunitas Brewing CompanycoreDistribution partner for Lagunitas Brewing Company products including IPAs and new Hop Series
- Mother's Brewing CompanycoreDistribution partner for Mother's Brewing Company (Springfield, MO) for 9 years
- Prost Brewing CompanycoreDistribution partner for Prost Brewing Company - German-style biers launched in Kansas City market
- Waterbird SpiritscoreDistribution partner for Waterbird Spirits premium canned cocktails including Ranch Water and Tequila Margarita
- Lone RivercoreDistribution partner for Lone River Ranch Water Hard Seltzers in Missouri metro market
- Mean Mule Distilling CompanycoreDistribution partner for Mean Mule Distilling Company products including agave spirits from KC Crossroads distillery
- Bootstrap BrewingminorDistribution partner for Bootstrap Brewing products from Longmont, Colorado
- Holidaily BrewingminorDistribution partner for Holidaily - Colorado's dedicated gluten-free brewery bringing 100% gluten-free beers to Kansas City
- Hop Valley Brewing CompanyminorDistribution partner for Hop Valley Brewing Company from Oregon, known for CryoHops brewing technology
- Founders Brewing Co.coreDistribution partner for Founders Brewing Co. including All Day IPA, Breakfast Stout, KBS and other craft beers
- Martin City Brewing CompanyminorDistribution partner for Martin City Brewing Company based in Kansas City
- Shacksbury CiderminorDistribution partner for Shacksbury Cider - Vermont hard cider now available across the metro
- Crane BrewingminorDistribution partner for Crane Brewing Co. sour and seasonal beers
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Central States Beverage Company competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Breakthru Beverage Group: National beer, wine, and spirits wholesaler with strong regional operating divisions. Direct comparability on supplier relationships (Miller/Coors majors plus craft), on-premise account management, and category management services.
- Republic National Distributing Company: Major multi-state wine and spirits distributor with a comparable three-tier model and similar product mix spanning majors, craft, and imports. Overlaps with Central States' spirits distribution ambitions and on-premise focus.
- Reyes Beverage Group: Large beer-focused wholesaler with regional operating divisions including Midwest territories. Comparable on craft and major beer portfolio, route-based distribution, and EO/order technology investments.
- Southern Glazer's Wine and Spirits: Largest U.S. alcoholic beverage distributor operating nationwide. Provides the most direct comparability on three-tier distribution model, multi-state coverage, and portfolio breadth — though at materially greater scale than Central States.
- Johnson Brothers Liquor Company: Multi-state wine and spirits wholesaler; comparable on three-tier distribution, family-owned heritage, and breadth of spirits and craft portfolio offered to licensed on- and off-premise accounts.
Regional players
- Major Brands: Missouri-headquartered wine, spirits, and beer distributor serving Missouri and surrounding states. Comparable in scale, geography, and three-tier beverage distribution model, with a similarly broad portfolio of craft and major brands.
- Standard Beverage Corporation: Regional Anheuser-Busch-aligned wholesaler in the Midwest/Mid-South. Comparable on three-tier beer distribution model, regional venue partnerships, and route-to-retailer logistics.
- Allied Beverage Group: Mid-Atlantic/Midwest beverage distributor. Comparable on multi-state licensed retailer service, mixed beer/spirits/craft portfolio, and family/private ownership profile.
- Hand Family Companies: Family-owned Midwest beverage distributor with deep craft and import portfolio. Comparable on family-owned governance, craft and import mix, and on-premise service capability.
- M.H. Zeigler & Sons: Midwest craft beer and beverage distributor serving adjacent territories to Central States. Comparable on craft beer portfolio curation, regional sales force, and on-premise emphasis.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Customer concentration
Central States Beverage Company social profiles
Digital presenceCentral States Beverage Company financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Central States Beverage Company leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles4 records
Central States Beverage Company funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Central States Beverage Company M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Central States Beverage Company
What does Central States Beverage Company do?
Central States Beverage Company is a wholesale distributor that purchases alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages from breweries, distilleries, and brand owners and resells them at wholesale margins to licensed retailers across Kansas and Missouri. The portfolio spans beer (Miller/Molson Coors, craft breweries such as Boulevard, Schlafly, 4 Hands, Founders, Lagunitas), distilled spirits and canned cocktails, hard seltzers and ciders, and a growing non-alcoholic selection, with annual case volume exceeding 5 million cases.
Is Central States Beverage Company a public or private company?
Central States Beverage Company is a private company. It is classified as family owned and is currently operating.
When was Central States Beverage Company founded?
Central States Beverage Company was founded in 1932. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is Central States Beverage Company based?
Central States Beverage Company is headquartered in Kansas City, United States, in the North America region.
How does Central States Beverage Company make money?
One revenue line is on record: wholesale Beverage Distribution.
Who are Central States Beverage Company's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Breakthru Beverage Group, Republic National Distributing Company, Reyes Beverage Group, Southern Glazer's Wine and Spirits and Johnson Brothers Liquor Company. Regional players are Major Brands, Standard Beverage Corporation, Allied Beverage Group, Hand Family Companies and M.H. Zeigler & Sons.
Does Central States Beverage Company have an API?
No public API is recorded for Central States Beverage Company.
What industry is Central States Beverage Company in?
Central States Beverage Company's product category is Wholesale Beverage Distribution. Its primary akta.pro industry code is CRAOAIAA, Beer, Wine & Spirits Wholesale Distribution, with a secondary code of AFAIAGAA, Alcoholic Beverage Wholesale (Beer, Wine, Spirits). Its NAICS code is 4248 and its SIC code is 5180.