It would probably work better if it were a corporation-to-corporation arrangement, but I don't see a small craft producer having much bargaining power with a multinational. Would the producer deal with each store or corporate? Would corporate 'big grocery' even allow stores to do this? How does a ma-and-pa corner store deal with off-shore producers such as Scotch Whisky, rum, etc. I'm near North Bay and can buy craft beer and cider produced several hours away. Would small producers need a fleet of travelling salespersons wandering the countryside? As is often the case, large markets and population density sometimes make things more feasible.
Corporate big grocery would order from the multi-nationals directly, not leave that to individual stores.
That said, depending on the chain there is still a small amount of discretion with some store managers to carry extras, though these are generally supplied through the central warehouse system.
There are exceptions.
Foodland banner stores, though affiliated to Sobey/Empire can order from non-Sobeys suppliers, with the exception of meat I believe. Empire takes a dim view of stores sourcing their own. But they can deal with farmers/independent vendors otherwise as long as they carry mandatory products from the house lines.
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Larger convenience stores (Circle K) are as much corporate chains as big grocery, and would operate likewise.
Indy grocery/convenience can order from whom they like; but generally get the bulk of their stuff through a major wholesalers like Sysco. The soft drink vendors (Coke/Pepsi) and Frito-O-Lay snacks generally deliver directly.
But nothing would prevent such a store (if the regulations allowed it) from going to a local craft brewer, opening a whole sale account and picking up 5 two-fours for singles, and a few sixpacks to move as such.
Delivery by said brewer would likely be available in proximity to the brewery the same was it would for a restaurant, while getting it further may mean making special arrangements.
