The Original Pickle Shot Announces National Alignment with Republic National Distributing Company in Most of its U.S. Markets

DEERFIELD BEACH, FL – The Original Pickle Shot® (“TOPS”), the top-selling pickle spirit in the U.S., has announced a strategic alignment with Republic National Distributing Company (RNDC) to represent the brand in most of its U.S. markets.

Late last year, in partnership with RNDC, TOPS made headway in Texas, Florida, Indiana, Louisiana, and West Virginia, and now will be expanding into California, Arizona, New Mexico, Washington, and South Carolina. The brand is also entering the state of Ohio with partner Heidelberg Distributing Company. In total, TOPS is now available in 38 states and projected to be nationwide in all 50 U.S. states by the end of the year. The innovative fast-growing brand expects to exceed 500,000 cases by 2027.

Additionally, TOPS has formalized the roles of Laura Becraft and Lauren Ward who have been advising and leading the brand’s growth strategy for the past two years, establishing them in the newly created positions of CEO and COO, respectively. Becraft and Ward are the founders of Brazen Imports & Consulting, a company they created after working together closely in executive roles under a division at Sazerac. Becraft directed commercial operations there, and before that held leadership roles at The Patrón Spirits Company, Southern Glazer’s, and a leading wine and spirits marketing agency. Ward has worked extensively in control state and national accounts compliance and sales, as well as developing marketing programs for some of the biggest supplier names in the U.S. and abroad.

“I’ve been in this industry for more than 20 years, and I can honestly say I haven’t seen this much consumer and trade excitement for a new brand in a very long time – frankly, not since the early days of Patrón,” says Becraft. “With The Original Pickle Shot, we aren’t just building a brand, we’ve created an entirely new category.”

“The continuous growth of this partnership allows us to bring this unique and innovative product to more consumers across our markets,” adds Jeff Potter, SVP, Managing Director, SBD Spirits at RNDC. “The Original Pickle Shot captures the essence of a beloved flavor and transforms it into a top-selling spirit, and we are excited to support its continued growth and success. Personally, I have always been a fan of bold and distinctive flavors, and this truly stands out. I look forward to seeing how our collaboration will elevate this exceptional brand.”

With the appointment of Becraft and Ward, John King, who co-founded The Original Pickle Shot in 2018, will be increasing his focus on the brand’s marketing, promotion, and partnership efforts.

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About The Original Pickle Shot

The Original Pickle Shot, launched in 2018 and now available in more than 15,000 bars, restaurants, and retail stores throughout the U.S., is the top-selling pickle brine-infused vodka in America. The Original Pickle Shot is unique in that it uses a proprietary pickle brine and 30-proof five-times distilled Iowa corn vodka to create the brand’s signature recipe and is available in original and spicy flavors (in convenient tailgating and game day sizes of 750ml, 375ml, and 50ml bottles). The Original Pickle Shot isn’t a pickle back or a chaser, it’s a carefully crafted ready-to-pour vodka with an opaque light green color and delicious dill pickle taste. It’s only 1.5 carbs and under 40 calories per shot, with no sugar or gluten, and no artificial flavors, colors, or dyes. For more information about The Original Pickle Shot or to purchase online, visit theoriginalpickleshot.com.

About Republic National Distributing Company

As a leading national beverage distributor in wine and spirits, RNDC has established its reputation by bringing the industry’s brightest talent together, consistently igniting opportunities for our suppliers, customers, and associates. Our expansive national reach empowers suppliers by building strategic relationships with on- and off-premise customers, elevating their brands and connecting them with their target consumers. Operating in the District of Columbia and 39 states across the United States, we are committed to being the most valuable partner to all we serve. With roots extending before Prohibition and a footprint spanning from local to national, digital to DTC, we are ushering in a new era of wine and spirits distribution within the three-tier system. At RNDC, we work in that rare space where commitment to craft meets unrelenting quality. Fueled by passion, we are raising the bar for beverage alcohol distribution—elevating spirits and sales across our value chain. To learn more, visit rndc-usa.com or contact Kanchan Kinkade, Vice President, Corporate Communications, at Kanchan.Achar at rndc-usa.com.