Matthew Murphy, Murphy Distributors Selected “Small Business Person of the Year”

New Haven, CT, April 11, 2014 --(PR.com)-- Each year, Business New Haven magazine recognizes outstanding entrepreneurs in Connecticut through their Business and Civic Awards. Matthew Murphy, president of Murphy Distributors located in Branford has been recognized as the “Small Business Person of the Year” for 2014. Murphy was recognized for his achievements in business and in his community as well as his role in helping to drive the state’s economic growth.

Since its inception 6 years ago, Murphy Distributors has become the fastest growing distributor of Fine Wine, Craft Beer and Artisan Spirits in Connecticut. Murphy’s passion and enthusiasm for his business was ignited when he traveled extensively through Europe and later lived in South American countries where he learned the intricacies of wine and its creation. Living in Argentina where wine is a huge part of their culture, fueled his passion to help a friend establish a wine importing company in Natal, Brazil. Up until then, Natal had not experienced much of a “wine culture.”

“We started importing Argentine wine and really just tried to get people to drink it,” said Murphy. Their efforts paid off as Brazil developed a culture of drinking wine.

Returning to his Connecticut roots in 2008, Matt channeled his energy into founding his original company, Do Valle. As the company grew, he began importing wines from international and domestic vineyards and the company name was changed to Murphy Distributors to align itself more with its expansion into the craft markets of beer and spirits.

The wine, beer and spirits business is among the most competitive industries in the U.S. How does a distributor separate itself from the rest? Murphy explains that products are exclusive to the distributor in Connecticut but the retail shelf space is the brass ring. Having a different set of products and using a competitive edge to make Murphy Distributors more valuable to their customers is what it’s all about.

Murphy Distributors leverages its strong customer relationships and rapidly developing reputation to place and grow supplier brands in key Connecticut accounts. Specialists in brand development, grass roots marketing and abilities to tie product, market and community trends together, the Murphy Distributors team with Matt Murphy at the helm, is making a distinctive mark on Connecticut's liquor distribution industry. Their goal is to help their customers (who are referred to as members) grow businesses in a B2B fashion. The vehicle to grow the businesses is through beverages, but Murphy Distributors also support the businesses with brands that offer better margins for more success and profits. In turn, it helps the community by providing jobs.

Murphy Distributors donates annually to over 100 charities through tastings and direct donations. A division of the company “Buy Wine, Help CT” gives to local families in the community that are in need.

A dinner reception and awards presentation will be held in honor of all the recipients in April.