About Us

First opened by the Murray family in the 1950s, Albany Beverage Company was created to serve Southwest Georgia, ensuring that retailers across Southwest Georgia could provide customers with a full range of beverages.
After prohibition was repealed in the 1930s, heavy federal, state, and local regulations prevented alcohol manufacturers from selling directly to retailers. Instead, manufacturers were required to sell alcoholic products through wholesale distributors. Initially, this process created enormous difficulties for small businesses, especially businesses outside of metropolitan areas. Without a wholesale distributor nearby, it was nearly impossible for local businesses to provide their customers with alcoholic beverages.
In an effort to solve this dilemma in Southwest Georgia, the Murray family opened Albany Beverage Company—along with several other beverage companies across the state.
The area’s initial response to the service and products was overwhelmingly positive, and the company continued to grow. Through working with major manufacturers directly, Albany Beverage Company formed strong connections with many of America’s most respected beverage manufacturers, providing customers with quality service and products.
After investing nearly 30 years into Albany Beverage Company, the Murrays decided that it was time to retire, selling their incredibly successful family business to C. Mark Pirrung in 1982.
Pirrung entered the company with years of prior experience working for Anheuser-Busch—a manufacturer that has successfully worked with Albany Beverage Company