USA: Gambrinus sells Moosehead brand back to brewery

The Gambrinus Company has concluded an agreement that will see Canadian brewer Moosehead buy back US importing rights for its brand, According to Business Wire February 1.

The deal is effective March 31, 2007.

Gambrinus has imported Moosehead Lager into the United States for the past 10 years. “Our mutual decision to part ways is based on our respective companies' desire to refocus on core business. We have enjoyed a productive and warm relationship,” stated Derek Oland, Chairman of Moosehead Breweries and Carlos Alvarez, President of The Gambrinus Company.

Terms of the agreement will not be released; however, both companies said arrangements are in place to ensure uninterrupted supply to wholesalers. Moosehead Breweries will begin importing the brand April 1 through Moosehead USA.

Moosehead Breweries is Canada’s oldest, independent brewery. The company is owned and managed by the Oland family whose members currently represent the fifth and sixth generation to work in the privately held business. Moosehead has imported its premium Canadian lager into the United States since the late 1970s.

The Gambrinus Company, located in San Antonio, Texas, is a leader in the craft brewing industry. Gambrinus owns and operates Bridgeport Brewing Company in Portland, Oregon; Spoetzl Brewery in Shiner, Texas; Trumer Brauerei in Berkeley, California; and Pete’s Brewing Company. Gambrinus also imports Tappeto Volante, an Italian beer handcrafted in Piedmont.

02 February, 2007