USA: Craft Brew Alliance acquires three US beer firms

Craft Brew Alliance (CBA) has acquired three US beer firms: North Carolina’s Appalachian Mountain Brewery (AMB), Massachusetts’ Cisco Brewers, and Florida’s Wynwood Brewing Co, FoodBev.com reported on October 11.

In 2015 CBA launched its craft beer partner strategy and has since collaborated with each of the brands to bolster its portfolio “with strong local brands and breweries in key markets”.

As CBA partners, AMB, Cisco Brewers, and Wynwood Brewing Co have each grown volume and share in their respective markets, and with the latest agreements, CBA aims to significantly invest to unlock their full potential.

CBA said it plans to increase marketing spend and resources to fuel each brand’s growth and help drive continued innovation.

Andy Thomas, CBA CEO, said: “We are thrilled to welcome AMB, Cisco, and Wynwood fully into the CBA family. From the beginning we knew that our shared values and complementary interests gave us a platform to grow together.

“Over the past few years, as we’ve gotten to know each of these exceptional breweries and their passionate teams, it became increasingly clear that the future would be brighter for all of us working together as one.

“In addition to Kona and the rest of the CBA portfolio, Cisco, AMB, and Wynwood will all play an important role as CBA focuses on sustainable topline growth for the future.”

AMB and CBA formed a strategic partnership in 2015 to increase production and grow distribution of the craft brewer’s core portfolio. Under the purchase agreement, CBA will acquire the AMB brand, brewery, and pub. The transaction is expected to close later this year.

Nathan Kelischek, AMB brewmaster, said: “From the beginning, AMB’s mission has been to brew quality beer while focusing on our core tenets of sustainability, community, and philanthropy here in the Appalachian Mountains. It’s about sharing our passion and fulfilling our potential while inspiring others to do the same. In every way, this partnership with CBA has embodied that mission.

“We’re so excited to be taking this next step and continue working more closely with Andy, Scott, and the entire team at CBA to keep fulfilling our vision.”

Cisco Brewers and CBA entered into a strategic brewing and distribution partnership in 2015. Under the new agreement, CBA will own the Cisco Brewers brand and beer business, while the Cisco founders will continue to own and operate the Cisco Brewers brewpub properties and retail merchandising.

Finally, CBA and Wynwood Brewing revealed a partnership in 2016, which included CBA taking a 24.5% minority interest in the brand.

Under the latest agreement, CBA purchased the remaining 75.5% interest in the Miami-based brewery. The brand’s co-founders will continue to lead its operations autonomously.

11 October, 2018