Craft beer pioneer Stone Brewing on June 24 introduced its sale to Sapporo U.S.A.
The transaction is predicted to shut in August 2022.
Sapporo intends to provide its Sapporo-branded Japanese beers for U.S. distribution in Stone’s two breweries, in Escondido, CA, and Richmond, VA. Constructing on present capabilities, and supported by deliberate capital investments, Sapporo expects to brew 360,000 barrels within the U.S. by the tip of 2024.
This basically doubles Stone Brewing’s present manufacturing.
Sapporo sees this funding as alternative to realize main brewing capability on each U.S. coasts, considerably growing manufacturing of its Sapporo-branded beers for the home market, in accordance with a press launch. On the similar time, Sapporo pledges to “protect Stone’s legacy, tradition and modern strategy to craft brewing.”
“We approached Stone Brewing in search of a accomplice for our progress plans within the U.S., and we shortly acknowledged they had been a perfect accomplice with bi-coastal brewing capability, loyal followers, very good administration, shared cultural values and dedication to the very best high quality requirements,” says Kenny Sadai, chairman, Sapporo U.S.A. “This acquisition places the assets and legacy of the most important Asian beer model in America along with one of the modern and acknowledged craft beer manufacturers on the planet. It’s an ideal fusion of east meets west that is a perfect marriage for Sapporo’s long-term progress technique within the U.S.”
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Underneath the settlement, Stone Brewing will proceed brewing its craft beers on the two breweries, in addition to function its seven taprooms and World Bistro & Gardens locations with present branding, administration and workforce below the Sapporo umbrella.
“That is the precise subsequent chapter for Stone Brewing,” says Greg Koch, cofounder and govt chairman of Stone Brewing. “For 26 years, our wonderful workforce has labored tirelessly to brew beers which have set developments and redefined expectations. To have the curiosity of an organization like Sapporo in persevering with the Stone story is a testomony to the nice beers we’ve created and can proceed to create for our followers throughout the globe.”
Stone is the second acquisition within the rising craft brew phase of Sapporo U.S.A.’s enterprise, following the acquisition of Anchor Brewing Co. in 2017.
“I’m thrilled that we have now the chance to hitch forces with Sapporo,” says Maria Stipp, CEO of Stone Brewing. “This distinctive partnership permits us to protect the Stone legacy that our followers know and love and can add exponential alternatives for progress, from manufacturing to extra funding in folks, gear, gross sales, and advertising.”
Stone Distributing Co., Stone Brewing’s distribution enterprise, is just not a part of the sale, and can grow to be an unbiased firm below present possession, sustaining its present management of day-to-day operations. Stone Distributing will proceed to service Southern California with a portfolio of 42 craft manufacturers, together with Stone Brewing. As a separate entity from Stone Brewing, it should function because it does right now.
