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With Virginia momentum already underway through Valley, Lawrence Distributing brings heavyweight local execution to amplify chain interest, shelf gains, and on-/off-premise growth for American Rebel Light
NASHVILLE, TN, Jan. 13, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- American Rebel Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: AREB) (“American Rebel” or the “Company”), America’s Patriotic Brand, and maker of American Rebel Light Beer—America’s Patriotic, God-Fearing, Constitution-Loving, National Anthem-Singing, Stand-Your-Ground Beer—today announced a strategic distribution partnership with Lawrence Distributing Company (LDC), a multi-generational, family-owned beverage wholesaler headquartered in Danville, Virginia. This agreement expands American Rebel Light Beer’s Virginia footprint, building on the Company’s existing Virginia distribution momentum through Valley Distributing and further strengthening coverage to support accelerating retail rollouts and on-premise growth opportunities in 2026.
“2026 is the year we turn distribution momentum into retail velocity at scale—and the way we do that is by stacking our network with high-execution, community-embedded distributors who win at the account level every single day,” said Andy Ross, Chief Executive Officer of American Rebel Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: AREB). “Lawrence Distributing Company is exactly that kind of partner. They’re a proven Southside Virginia operator with real infrastructure, disciplined field execution, and relationships that go back generations. This partnership strengthens the Virginia foundation we began building with Valley and positions us to fill out the footprint to meet increasing inquiries from local and regional chain stores that want American Rebel Light Beer on shelves and in coolers. We’re expanding with purpose—market by market—so consumers can find Rebel Light where they already shop and celebrate. It’s going to be an exciting year for American Rebel.”
Virginia coverage is accelerating—powered by Distributor-First execution
American Rebel’s (www.americanrebelbeer.com) Distributor-First strategy is designed to prioritize best-in-class regional wholesalers who deliver shelf placement, cold-box execution, and in-market momentum—then scale those wins into broader retail and chain authorizations. That approach has been reinforced by recent company-announced milestones including national distributor engagement momentum and major retail rollout progress headed into spring reset season.
Recent announced execution wins since September 2025 include:
Oct. 13, 2025 — American Rebel Light Beer announced spring 2026 distribution placement across 416 Southeastern Grocers locations (including Winn-Dixie, Harvey’s, and Fresco y Más) across five states, a major retail rollout milestone.
Oct. 20, 2025 — American Rebel reported breakout engagement at the 2025 NBWA Convention, including 110+ distributor meetings, 83 qualified follow-ups, and 16 on-site verbal commitments opening new-state expansion opportunities.
Nov.–Dec. 2025 — A rapid series of distribution partnerships were announced in Pennsylvania (Wilson McGinley, Muller Distributing, Mid-State Beverage Company, Banko Beverage Company, Ace Distributing), plus Commercial Distributing Company (Massachusetts) and C & C Distributors (Arkansas).
Jan. 8, 2026 — American Rebel announced an Indiana expansion with Working Distributors, strengthening coverage alongside Zink Distributing.
Jan. 12, 2026 — American Rebel adds Lawrence Distributing Company to deepen Virginia distribution and accelerate 2026 retail rollouts (announced today).
“Lawrence Distributing Company has spent more than seven decades earning trust across Southside Virginia by doing the fundamentals right—serving customers consistently, executing at a high standard, and staying deeply connected to the communities they support,” said Todd Porter, President of American Rebel Beverages. “That’s the kind of partner that builds brands the right way. With LDC’s strong on- and off-premise relationships, experienced sales and merchandising teams, and disciplined cold-chain operations, we’re positioned to move fast in Virginia—driving placements, improving visibility, and supporting the growing number of retailer conversations we’re having across the region. We’re proud to build alongside a family-owned distributor with a reputation like Lawrence. Rebel Up, Virginia.”
Lawrence Distributing Company + American Rebel Light Beer
A high-execution Virginia partnership built on local strength, service discipline, and community roots
Founded in 1954, Lawrence Distributing Company has grown from a one-truck operation into a leading beverage wholesaler serving Southside and south-central Virginia with a broad portfolio of beer, wine, water, and non-alcoholic beverages. Today, LDC employs 80+ team members and services 1,000+ customers across a territory spanning 10+ counties and the cities and towns within them, reaching an estimated regional population of approximately 375,000.
LDC’s operations are built for consistent execution and product integrity. The company operates two warehouse facilities—a primary location in Danville, Virginia, and a secondary facility in South Hill, Virginia—with climate-controlled storage for beer to help ensure consistent quality year-round. Package beer is stored at controlled temperatures (68°F or lower) and keg beer is stored colder (38°F or lower), reflecting the company’s commitment to proper handling from warehouse to retailer.
LDC brings not only infrastructure, but also meaningful on-the-ground capacity: a pre-sell model, an experienced sales force organized by geography, delivery and merchandising teams aligned to execute in-market priorities, and operational support that includes trained draft technicians who service and maintain draft systems in accounts. The company’s scale is significant, with annual volume reported at just over 1,000,000 equivalent cases (12oz equivalents).
LDC’s broad portfolio and reputation also matter in winning retailer confidence. The company distributes major domestic, craft, and import brands—creating “portfolio context” that helps new brands like American Rebel Light Beer compete for attention and placement alongside established category leaders. Just as important, Lawrence Distributing is known as a relationship-first organization and a long-term brand builder, reflecting the founder’s philosophy of earning customer respect by putting the customer’s interests first. That approach—deep relationships paired with disciplined execution—has helped LDC thrive for more than 70 years and remain a respected community business in southern Virginia.
What Lawrence Distributing Company brings to American Rebel Light Beer
70+ years of regional trust and market know-how: A family-owned Virginia wholesaler with a legacy of disciplined service and brand-building.
Deep local reach in Southside & south-central Virginia: Coverage across 10+ counties and the towns and cities within them, with 1,000+ customers served.
Execution-ready facilities and cold-chain discipline: Two warehouses and climate-controlled beer storage supporting product quality and reliable replenishment.
Sales, delivery, merchandising, and draft support built for performance: A structured go-to-market team model and operational capabilities that support both off-premise and on-premise growth.
Community embedded and values-aligned: A local business culture built on service, relationships, and strong community roots that match American Rebel’s patriotic brand positioning.