Named 2026 Wholesaler of the Year and one of Alabama’s Best Companies to Work for the third consecutive year

Mobile, Ala.. — Gulf Distributing Company has been named 2026 Wholesaler of the Year by Beverage Industry magazine, a national publication covering the entire $275 billion North American beverage marketplace. The company was selected for its strategic growth and innovation, investment in its people while honoring its history.

Gulf was also recognized by Business Alabama as one of the state’s Best Companies to Work for in 2026, marking its third consecutive year receiving the honor. The annual program, conducted in partnership with Best Companies Group, surveys employees to gather their perspectives on workplace culture and evaluates employers based on workplace practices, benefits and employee feedback.

Both achievements highlight Gulf Distributing’s strategic commitment to growth, innovation, culture and positioning the organization for future success.

“These recognitions are a tremendous honor for our entire Gulf Distributing family,” said Elliot Maisel, chairman and chief executive officer of Gulf Distributing Holdings LLC. “Our employees, customers, suppliers and communities are all partners in our success, and we’re proud to share this national and state recognition with them. As we continue to grow and invest in the future of our company, we remain committed to the family values and dedication to first-class service and quality products that was instilled in our company from day one.”

Gulf Distributing was founded in 1973 by Freida Maisel, the first woman in the U.S. to independently purchase a beer distributorship. The company grew from 15 employees and three brands into one of the Southeast’s leading beverage distributors, representing more than 1,000 brands and employing over 1,300 people across Alabama, Florida and Mississippi. Last year, the company invested $60 million in renovating the historic Press-Register building in downtown Mobile into a 243,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility to create one of the most advanced beverage distributing centers in the country.

Together, the honors reflect Gulf Distributing’s continued focus on building a strong workplace culture while expanding its operations and strengthening its position as a leading beverage distributor in the Southeast.

For more information and updates from Gulf Distributing, visit www.gulfdistributing.com

About Gulf Distributing Co.

Founded in 1973 by Freida G. Maisel—the first woman to purchase a beer distributorship outright—Gulf Distributing has since expanded into a network of seven core wholesale subsidiaries serving the Alabama, the Florida panhandle, and two Mississippi markets. Headquartered in Mobile, AL, the family-owned company employs over 1,300 team members and partners with more than 100 suppliers to deliver a full suite of beverages across its territories. Now in its third generation of family ownership and management, Gulf continues its legacy of market leadership, investment in its people, community engagement, and innovative distribution solutions. For more information, visit www.gulfdistributing.com.