R.L. Lipton Distributing Co.
R.L. Lipton Distributing Co. is a family-owned regional beverage wholesaler in Northeast Ohio, distributing premium imported and domestic beer, seltzers, premade cocktails, and non-alcoholic beverages from Constellation Brands, Labatt USA, and other suppliers to 6,000+ retail partners across 14 counties.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1962
- HeadquartersCleveland, United States
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What R.L. Lipton Distributing Co. does
R.L. Lipton Distributing Co. is a privately held, family-owned beverage wholesaler headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, operating from a 140,000+ square-foot distribution facility in Valley View that can store more than 300,000 cases of product. Founded in 1962 as R & S Leasing Company and renamed in 1965, the firm has been under sole ownership of founder Robert Lipton since 1972 and currently employs more than 125 people across route sales, warehouse, and operations functions.
The company operates as an authorized regional distributor for an extensive portfolio of premium beverage brands, anchored by Constellation Brands' Modelo Especial, Corona, and Pacifico lines, plus Labatt USA's Canadian portfolio. Supporting categories include domestic beer (Genesee, Rolling Rock, Stack 101), premade cocktails (Seagram's Escapes), hard seltzers, non-alcoholic beer (Corona NA, Labatt NA), sparkling and bottled water (S. Pellegrino, Perrier, LaCroix, Niagara), juices, soft drinks (AriZona, Faygo, Boylan, Old Tyme, Mistic), and energy drinks (5-Hour Energy, RIP IT, Arizona RX). Distribution is performed via a direct, route-based daily delivery operation.
R.L. Lipton generates revenue by purchasing beverage inventory from brewery and beverage manufacturer partners at wholesale and reselling at markup to more than 6,000 licensees — primarily restaurants, bars, retailers, and on-premise accounts — across a 14-county territory in Northeast Ohio. The go-to-market is direct sales with a streamlined online account signup process, complemented by a dedicated keg sales program serving hospitality venues, organizations/charities, and individual consumers. The firm has historically expanded through acquisitions of neighboring distributors (Eastside Beer, John's Beverage, Erie Distributing, Crystal Distributing, National Beverage).
R.L. Lipton Distributing Co. firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- R.L. Lipton Distributing Co.
- Legal name
- R.L. Lipton Distributing Company
- Website
- https://rlliptondist.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1962
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- R.L. Lipton Distributing Co. is a family-owned regional beverage wholesaler in Northeast Ohio, distributing premium imported and domestic beer, seltzers, premade cocktails, and non-alcoholic beverages from Constellation Brands, Labatt USA, and other suppliers to 6,000+ retail partners across 14 counties.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
R.L. Lipton Distributing Co. industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Beverage Distribution
- NAICS
- Beer, Wine, and Distilled Alcoholic Beverage Merchant Wholesalers (4248), Beer and Ale Merchant Wholesalers (424810)
- SIC
- Wholesale-Beer, Wine & Distilled Alcoholic Beverages (5180)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Bar, Restaurant & On-Premise Beverage Supply Wholesale (AFAIAGAI)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Non-Alcoholic Beverage Wholesale (Soft Drinks, Water, Juice, RTD Coffee/Tea) (AFAIAGAB), Beverage Wholesale Distribution (Non-Alcoholic) (CRAOAAAH)
Keywords
Where R.L. Lipton Distributing Co. is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Cleveland
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices2 records
Markets served
R.L. Lipton Distributing Co. business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Beverage Distribution: R.L. Lipton generates revenue by distributing premium beverages including beer, seltzers, premade cocktails, and non-alcoholic beverages to retail partners throughout Northeast Ohio. They purchase products from brewery and beverage manufacturer partners and resell/distribute to restaurants, retailers, and other licensees.
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels2 records
Marketing channels5 records
R.L. Lipton Distributing Co. product offering
Product offeringCore offering
R.L. Lipton Distributing Co. is a wholesale beverage distributor that purchases premium beer, premade cocktails, hard seltzers and non-alcoholic beverages from brewery and beverage manufacturer partners, and resells and delivers them to thousands of restaurants, retailers and licensees throughout Northeast Ohio. Its core offering centers on exclusive distribution partnerships with top imported, domestic and craft beer brands plus an expanding portfolio of soft drinks, sparkling water, juices and energy drinks.
Product overview
R.L. Lipton Distributing Co. is a premium beverage distribution company serving Northeast Ohio for over 40 years, distributing products across multiple categories including imported beer (Modelo, Corona, Labatt, Pacifico, Stella Artois, Hoegaarden), domestic beer (Genesee, Rolling Rock, Stack 101), premade cocktails (Seagram's Escapes), hard seltzers, soft drinks (Arizona Beverages, Faygo, Boylan, Old Tyme, Mistic, LaCroix), non-alcoholic beverages, sparkling water (S. Pellegrino, Perrier, Niagara Water), juices (Everfresh, Tropical Fantasy, Mr. Pure), and energy drinks (5-Hour Energy, RIP IT, Arizona RX). The company operates from a 140,000+ square foot facility in Valley View, Ohio, distributing to over 6,000 retail partners across 14 counties.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Modelo Brand Family (Especial, Negra, Oro) Imported Mexican beer portfolio including Modelo Especial (the top-selling beer in the United States, a Pilsner-style Lager brewed with German techniques featuring orange blossom honey aroma), Modelo Negra (Munich Dunkel-style dark lager brewed with galena hops and slow-roasted caramel malts), and Modelo Oro (light Pilsner retaining Modelo's flavor profile). Distributed to retailers and restaurants across Northeast Ohio.
- Corona Brand Family Imported Mexican beer portfolio distributed by R.L. Lipton including Corona Extra (the #2 selling imported beer in the U.S., a refreshing Mexican lager produced in Mexico and imported by Constellation Brands), Corona Light, Corona Premier, Corona Familiar (32oz shareable packaging), Corona Sunbrew (citrus cerveza brewed with orange and lime peels), Corona Non-Alcoholic, and Modelo Cheladas beer cocktail variants.
- Labatt Brand Family Canadian beer portfolio including Labatt Blue (the world's best-selling Canadian beer, a Canadian Pilsner brewed with Hallertau hops and 2-row malted barley), Labatt Light (premium light Pilsner created in 1983), Labatt Ice (5.6% ABV ice-brewed Pilsner introduced in 1993), Labatt Blue Non-Alcoholic, Labatt Blue Light, and Labatt Blue Light Hard Seltzers. Distributed across Northeast Ohio.
- Seagram's Escapes Premade Cocktails Iconic premade cocktail portfolio including Seagram's Escapes Classic (malt beverages with natural flavors and certified colors at 3.2% ABV such as Jamaican Me Happy), Hola Paradise (100-calorie tropical cocktails like Bahama Mama and Wild Berry at 3.2% ABV), Italian Ice flavors (Cherry, Blue Raspberry, Mango), Seagram Spiked Cocktails, and Seagram's Margarita Hard Seltzers (Classic Lime, Prickly Pear, Strawberry, Watermelon). Distributed in bottles and cans.
- AriZona Beverages Portfolio Brooklyn-born AriZona soft drinks born in 1992, including the signature Arnold Palmer (iced tea and lemonade blend), Iced Tea variants (Original Green Tea, Black & White, Sweet Tea, Raspberry, Peach, Lemon), 20oz Tall Boys, Gallon Jugs, Fruit Juice Cocktails (Grapeade, Lemonade, Watermelon, Orangeade, Fruit Punch), RX Energy extreme performance drinks, and Hero Hydration performance and hydration blend with electrolytes, vitamins, antioxidants, green tea extract, L-Carnitine, Choline and L-Glutamine.
- S. Pellegrino Sparkling Mineral Water Fine quality Natural Mineral Water from San Pellegrino Terme in the Italian Alps, naturally enriched with mineral salts, distributed in 12oz bottles, cans, and kegs by R.L. Lipton across Northeast Ohio.
- Pacifico Clara Pilsner-style Mexican lager from Mazatlán with crisp, refreshing flavor featuring grass-citrus and ocean mist notes, brewed with premium two-and-six-row barley; distributed in bottles across Northeast Ohio.
- Tropical Fantasy Juices and Waters Fruit-flavored beverages from Brooklyn Bottling Company, available across 35 states, including Tropical Fantasy juice varieties, Tropical Fantasy Aloe Vera (Original, Strawberry, Pineapple, Melon, Mango, Coconut), and Tropical Fantasy Pure Water (Peach, Watermelon Strawberry, Kiwi, Cherry Blast). Distributed in Northeast Ohio.
- Mistic Beverages Carbonated and non-carbonated fruit juice-based beverages, naturally flavored sparkling waters, and ready-to-drink brewed iced teas sold in 49 states and six other countries; distributed through R.L. Lipton in Northeast Ohio.
- Everfresh Juices 100% pasteurized juices and juice drinks manufactured by Everfresh using finest quality ingredients with high Kosher certifications; flavors include apple, orange, plum, pear, pineapple, kiwi, grape, strawberry, raspberry and coconut. Distributed in Northeast Ohio.
- Bubly Wine Refresher Wine refresher made with premium dry rosé wine, sparkling water, and natural fruit flavors, available in Strawberry Peach and Blackberry Lemon varieties. Distributed in Northeast Ohio.
- Old Tyme Beverages New England Beverages portfolio including Old Tyme Juice Blends, Lemonades, Teas, Fruit Splash, Coco Rico Coconut Soda, Coco Rico Coconut Water, and Goodo Colas, distributed through R.L. Lipton in Northeast Ohio.
- Boylan Hand-Crafted Sodas Hand-crafted sodas including core flavors of Ginger Ale, Root Beer, Black Cherry, and Creme, plus Cane Cola, Orange, Grape, and Birch Beer heritage varieties. Distributed in Northeast Ohio.
- Stack 101 High Gravity Lager High gravity lager from United Brands at 9.9% ABV in 24oz cans, marketed as the first lager style malt liquor made by United Brands. Distributed in Northeast Ohio.
- Stella Artois Premium Belgian Lager Premium Belgian lager distributed through R.L. Lipton in Northeast Ohio.
- Hoegaarden Belgian Wheat Beer Belgian wheat beer brand distributed through R.L. Lipton in Northeast Ohio.
- Leffe Belgian Abbey Beer Belgian abbey-style beer brand (Leffe Blonde) distributed through R.L. Lipton in Northeast Ohio.
- Shiner Bock Texas Craft Beer Texas-based Shiner Bock craft beer brand distributed through R.L. Lipton in Northeast Ohio.
- Victoria Mexican Lager Mexican lager brand distributed through R.L. Lipton in Northeast Ohio.
- Genesee Domestic Beer Regional domestic Genesee beer brand distributed through R.L. Lipton in Northeast Ohio.
- Rolling Rock American Lager American lager brand distributed through R.L. Lipton in Northeast Ohio.
- Moosehead Canadian Beer Canadian Moosehead brewery brand distributed through R.L. Lipton in Northeast Ohio.
- Warsteiner German Beer German Warsteiner beer brand distributed through R.L. Lipton in Northeast Ohio.
- Singha Thai Beer Singha Thai beer brand distributed through R.L. Lipton in Northeast Ohio.
- Taj Mahal Indian Beer Taj Mahal Indian beer brand distributed through R.L. Lipton in Northeast Ohio.
- Honey Brown Beer Honey Brown beer brand distributed through R.L. Lipton in Northeast Ohio.
- Flying Horse Royal Imported Beer Flying Horse Royal imported beer brand distributed through R.L. Lipton in Northeast Ohio.
- LaCroix Sparkling Water LaCroix sparkling water brand distributed through R.L. Lipton in Northeast Ohio.
- Perrier Sparkling Water French Perrier sparkling water brand distributed through R.L. Lipton in Northeast Ohio.
- Niagara Bottled Water Niagara bottled water brand distributed through R.L. Lipton in Northeast Ohio.
- Sportwater Bottled Water Sportwater bottled water brand distributed through R.L. Lipton in Northeast Ohio.
- 5-Hour Energy 5-Hour Energy shot brand distributed through R.L. Lipton in Northeast Ohio.
- RIP IT Energy Drink RIP IT energy drink brand distributed through R.L. Lipton in Northeast Ohio.
- Faygo Soft Drink Michigan-based Faygo soft drink brand distributed through R.L. Lipton in Northeast Ohio.
- Towne Club Soda Regional Towne Club soda brand distributed through R.L. Lipton in Northeast Ohio.
- Clear Fruit Beverage Clear Fruit flavored beverage brand distributed through R.L. Lipton in Northeast Ohio.
- Mr. Pure Juice Mr. Pure juice beverage brand distributed through R.L. Lipton in Northeast Ohio.
- Lipton Hard Iced Tea Lipton Hard Iced Tea beverage brand distributed through R.L. Lipton in Northeast Ohio.
- Hamburg Brewing Non-Alcoholic Beer Non-alcoholic beer brand from Hamburg Brewing distributed through R.L. Lipton in Northeast Ohio.
- Bing Beverages Non-Alcoholic Non-alcoholic beverage brand from Bing Beverages distributed through R.L. Lipton in Northeast Ohio.
- Keg Sales Program Dedicated keg purchasing program from R.L. Lipton serving retail partners, hospitality venues, organizations and charities hosting events, and individuals for personal events. Provides access to commercial-grade keg products through R.L. Lipton's distribution network in Northeast Ohio.
Quantifiable outcome
- Daily deliveries to 6,000+ retail partners
- +1 more outcomes
Companies that use R.L. Lipton Distributing Co.
Customer profileNamed customers2 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
R.L. Lipton Distributing Co. technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
R.L. Lipton Distributing Co. partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
37 partnerships are on record, tiered core and supporting.
- Modelo (Constellation Brands)coreModelo Especial is the top-selling beer in the United States. R.L. Lipton distributes Modelo brands including Modelo Especial, Modelo Negra, and Modelo Oro throughout Northeast Ohio.
- Corona (Constellation Brands)coreCorona Extra is the #2 selling imported beer in the United States. R.L. Lipton distributes Corona brands including Corona Extra, Corona Light, Corona Premier, Corona Familiar, Corona Sunbrew, and Corona Non-Alcoholic.
- Labatt (Labatt USA)coreLabatt Blue is the best-selling Canadian beer in the world. R.L. Lipton distributes Labatt products including Labatt Blue, Labatt Light, Labatt Ice, Labatt Blue Non-Alcoholic, and Labatt Blue Light Hard Seltzers.
- S. PellegrinosupportingS. Pellegrino is a fine quality Natural Mineral Water from the Italian Alps. Distributed in 12oz bottles, cans, and kegs.
- AriZona BeveragessupportingAriZona Beverages, born in Brooklyn since 1992, is known for iced teas and canned beverages. Distributed in various formats including Arnold Palmer, iced teas, and lemonades.
- Seagram's EscapessupportingSeagram's Escapes is an iconic premade cocktail brand with flavors like Jamaican Me Happy, Classic Lime Margarita, and various Italian Ice varieties. Distributed in bottles and cans.
- PacificosupportingPacifico Clara is a pilsner-style lager from Mexico, popular among surf culture. Distributed in bottles.
- HoegaardensupportingBelgian wheat beer brand distributed through R.L. Lipton.
- Stella ArtoissupportingPremium Belgian lager distributed through R.L. Lipton.
- LeffesupportingBelgian Abbey-style beer brand distributed through R.L. Lipton.
- Shiner BocksupportingTexas-based craft beer brand distributed through R.L. Lipton.
- VictoriasupportingMexican lager brand distributed through R.L. Lipton.
- GeneseesupportingRegional craft beer brand distributed through R.L. Lipton.
- Rolling RocksupportingAmerican lager brand distributed through R.L. Lipton.
- MooseheadsupportingCanadian brewery brand distributed through R.L. Lipton.
- WarsteinersupportingGerman beer brand distributed through R.L. Lipton.
- SinghasupportingThai beer brand distributed through R.L. Lipton.
- Taj MahalsupportingIndian beer brand distributed through R.L. Lipton.
- LaCroixsupportingSparkling water brand distributed through R.L. Lipton.
- PerriersupportingFrench sparkling water brand distributed through R.L. Lipton.
- 5-Hour EnergysupportingEnergy drink brand distributed through R.L. Lipton.
- FaygosupportingMichigan-based soda brand distributed through R.L. Lipton.
- Tropical Fantasy (Brooklyn Bottling Company)supportingJuice and beverage brand available in 35 states through 60 distributors. Distributed in various flavors including watermelon, mango, fruit punch, and aloe vera varieties.
- MisticsupportingMistic Beverage develops and markets carbonated and non-carbonated fruit juice-based beverages, sparkling waters, and ready-to-drink iced teas. Sells in 49 states and six other countries.
- EverfreshsupportingJuice brand offering apple, orange, plum, pear, pineapple, kiwi, grape, strawberry, raspberry, coconut flavors. Manufactures 100% of own products with pasteurization and high Kosher certifications.
- Boylan BeveragessupportingHand-crafted soda brand including Ginger Ale, Root Beer, Black Cherry, Creme, Cane Cola, Orange, and Grape flavors.
- Old Tyme BeveragesupportingNew England Beverages brand including Old Tyme Juice Blends, Lemonades, Teas, Fruit Splash, Coco Rico Coconut Soda, and Goodo Colas.
- BublysupportingBubly Wine Refresher made with premium dry rosé wine, sparkling water, and natural fruit flavors. Distributed in Strawberry Peach and Blackberry Lemon varieties.
- Honey BrownsupportingBeer brand distributed through R.L. Lipton.
- Flying Horse RoyalsupportingBeer brand distributed through R.L. Lipton.
- Stack 101supportingHigh gravity lager by United Brands with 9.9% ABV, available in 24oz cans.
- Towne ClubsupportingRegional soda brand distributed through R.L. Lipton.
- Mr. PuresupportingBeverage brand distributed through R.L. Lipton.
- Clear FruitsupportingBeverage brand distributed through R.L. Lipton.
- RIP ITsupportingEnergy drink brand distributed through R.L. Lipton.
- Niagara WatersupportingWater brand distributed through R.L. Lipton.
- SportwatersupportingWater brand distributed through R.L. Lipton.
Scale indicators6 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights3 records
R.L. Lipton Distributing Co. competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- RNDC (Republic National Distributing Company): One of the largest beverage alcohol distributors in the US with operations across multiple states including Ohio; competes on supplier allocation and retail relationships as a much larger incumbent.
- Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits: Largest wine and spirits distributor in the US with broad beverage operations including beer; comparable in product mix breadth but operates at much greater national scale than R.L. Lipton.
- Glazer's Distributors: Large multi-region beverage alcohol distributor operating across multiple US states; broader incumbent serving as both competitor and consolidator in the Ohio market.
- Breakthru Beverage Group: Major North American beverage alcohol wholesaler with significant Ohio presence; comparable business model with broader geographic reach and similar premium beer/cocktail portfolio.
Direct peers
- Superior Beverage Group: Ohio-based multi-category beverage distributor serving retail and on-premise accounts; directly comparable regional peer serving restaurants, bars, and grocery with similar beer/cocktail/non-alcoholic mix.
- L. Knife & Co. Multi-state beer and beverage wholesaler operating in Ohio; comparable in size and supplier relationships, serving similar on-premise and retail accounts.
- Central Beverage Co. Family-owned beverage distributor serving parts of Ohio and surrounding states with premium beer, seltzer, and non-alcoholic brands; competes in adjacent Northeast Ohio territories.
- Day Distributing: Ohio-based beverage distributor with similar Modelo/Corona/Labatt brand mix and daily delivery model to retail partners; serves as a direct competitor in overlapping Northeast Ohio geographies.
- Heidelberg Distributing: One of the largest independent beverage wholesalers in Ohio with broad alcoholic and non-alcoholic distribution; competes with R.L. Lipton for Anheuser-Busch and craft brand allocations across overlapping Ohio geographies.
Regional players
- Beer Board Beverage Distributors: Smaller regional Ohio beverage distributor with comparable route-based delivery model and beer-centric portfolio; relevant emerging regional peer serving adjacent Ohio geographies.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
R.L. Lipton Distributing Co. social profiles
Digital presenceR.L. Lipton Distributing Co. financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
R.L. Lipton Distributing Co. leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
R.L. Lipton Distributing Co. funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
R.L. Lipton Distributing Co. 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 R.L. Lipton Distributing Co.
What does R.L. Lipton Distributing Co. do?
R.L. Lipton Distributing Co. is a wholesale beverage distributor that purchases premium beer, premade cocktails, hard seltzers and non-alcoholic beverages from brewery and beverage manufacturer partners, and resells and delivers them to thousands of restaurants, retailers and licensees throughout Northeast Ohio. Its core offering centers on exclusive distribution partnerships with top imported, domestic and craft beer brands plus an expanding portfolio of soft drinks, sparkling water, juices and energy drinks.
Is R.L. Lipton Distributing Co. a public or private company?
R.L. Lipton Distributing Co. is a private company. It is classified as family owned and is currently operating.
When was R.L. Lipton Distributing Co. founded?
R.L. Lipton Distributing Co. was founded in 1962. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is R.L. Lipton Distributing Co. based?
R.L. Lipton Distributing Co. is headquartered in Cleveland, United States, in the North America region.
How does R.L. Lipton Distributing Co. make money?
One revenue line is on record: beverage Distribution.
Who are R.L. Lipton Distributing Co.'s main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are RNDC (Republic National Distributing Company), Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits, Glazer's Distributors and Breakthru Beverage Group. Direct peers are Superior Beverage Group, L. Knife & Co., Central Beverage Co., Day Distributing and Heidelberg Distributing. Beer Board Beverage Distributors is listed as a regional player.
Does R.L. Lipton Distributing Co. have an API?
No public API is recorded for R.L. Lipton Distributing Co..
What industry is R.L. Lipton Distributing Co. in?
R.L. Lipton Distributing Co.'s product category is Beverage Distribution. Its primary akta.pro industry code is AFAIAGAI, Bar, Restaurant & On-Premise Beverage Supply Wholesale, with a secondary code of AFAIAGAB, Non-Alcoholic Beverage Wholesale (Soft Drinks, Water, Juice, RTD Coffee/Tea). Its NAICS code is 4248 and its SIC code is 5180.