Okla. brewers working to develop regional markets

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- The demand for craft-brewed beer is growing to the point that Oklahoma brewers are expanding their sales by sending their products out of state.

On a recent trip to Arkansas, Wes Alexander of Marshall Brewing Co. in Tulsa worked to firm up markets in Little Rock, Fayetteville and Hot Springs.  Marshall also sells its beer in Kansas and Missouri, and wants to significantly increase its out-of-state sales percentage.

Mustang Brewing Co. in Oklahoma City has a similar strategy.

Mustang President Tim Schoelen told The Oklahoman the company sells in Arkansas and Kansas, and plans to expand into southwest Missouri.

Schoelen said less than 5 percent of Mustang sales were outside Oklahoma in 2012. He expects that number to increase to as much as 20 percent by 2014.