Craft Brewers Alliance squeaks out a profit in first quarter
Craft Brewers Alliance Inc. reported a modest first-quarter profit, reversing a seven-figure loss from a year ago.
The Portland, Ore.-based company, reported a $209,000 profit on sales of $293 million. That compares to a $1.07 million loss in the same quarter of 2009 ending March 31st.
It attributed its improved performance to improving margins and a reduction in expenses related to the merger that formed the company.
Widmer Brothers Brewing Co. and Red Hook Brewery, both partially owned by Anheuser-Busch merged to form Craft Brewers Alliance in 2008. The resulting company operates four company-owned breweries, including one in Woodinville, one in Portsmouth, N.H. and two in Portland. It also has equity interests in Goose Island Beer Co and Kona Brewery. CBA sells its products to Anheuser-Busch and its network of wholesalers.