Gambrinus Co., which has imported and sold Moosehead Lager in the United States for the past 10 years, is selling the import rights back to Moosehead Breweries effective March 31, 2007. Moosehead Breweries announced they will export the brand through their own subsidiary, Moosehead USA.
Moosehead Breweries Chairman Derek Oland and Gambrinus President Carlos Alvarez issued a joint statement relating to the transaction.
“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,” the executives said.
Moosehead Breweries is Canada’s oldest, independent brewery. The company is owned and managed by the Oland family.
The Gambrinus Co. imported Coronoa for the Eastern part of the U.S.until recently when their contract expired. The company currently owns and operates Bridgeport Brewing Co. in Portland, Ore.; Spoetzl Brewery in Shiner, Texas; Trumer Brauerei in Berkeley, Calif.; and Pete’s Brewing Co. in San Antonio.