The takeover agreement was announced last November. To settle antitrust concerns, Craft Brew Alliance’s Kona Brewing Co. operations in Hawaii were spun off to an independent investment group. Kona Brewing Co.’s mainland and international operations and regional brands Appalachian Mountain Brewery, Cisco Brewers, Omission Brewing Co., Redhook Brewery, Square Mile Cider Co., Widmer Brothers Brewing, and Wynwood Brewing Co. become part of A-B’s Brewers Collective portfolio.
Anheuser-Busch had a minority stake in CBA for more than 25 years, a point emphasized by Mike Doukeris, CEO of A-B: “After a successful partnership that spans more than 25 years, we are excited to now fully welcome CBA into the A-B family and continue to work together to bring more consumers, in more communities, even more choices for every occasion.”
A-B said the expanded partnership is a continuation of Anheuser-Busch’s long track record of working with its craft partners and its distribution network to help make the U.S. beer category stronger and more diverse by bringing premium craft products to consumers across the country.
“CBA’s dynamic breweries have the same commitment to authenticity and entrepreneurial spirit that has enabled our craft partners to grow as members of Brewers Collective,” said Marcelo “Mika” Michaelis, president, Brewers Collective, Anheuser-Busch. “By prioritizing home markets, building an unmatched innovation pipeline, and developing effective marketing, we have been able to achieve success locally and nationally, and we’re excited to take this next step with CBA.”