Sapporo to Acquire Stone Brewing
Big news in the brewing industry as it was announced last night that Sapporo USA will acquire Stone Brewing of San Diego, Calif.
Stone Distribution Co. which distributes many craft brands throughout Southern California will not be part of the deal and will remain an intendent company.
Sapporo is the largest selling Asian beer in the U.S. and Stone is the 18th largest brewing company in the country with annual production of 326,281 barrels in 2021. It is the second major acquisition of a U.S. craft brewery for Sapporo with the purchase of Anchor Brewing in 2017.
“This is the right next chapter for Stone Brewing,” said Greg Koch, Co-Founder & Executive Chairman of Stone Brewing in a press release. “For 26 years, our amazing team has worked tirelessly to brew beers that have set trends and redefined expectations. To have the interest of a company like Sapporo in continuing the Stone story is a testament to the great beers we’ve created and will continue to create for our fans across the globe.”
Sapporo will produce its Sapporo beers for U.S. distribution in Stone’s two breweries, in Escondido, California and Richmond, Virginia. Stone Brewing will continue to brew its beers at the two breweries, as well as operate its seven Tap Rooms and World Bistro & Gardens.
More on the story here.
