Lotus Beverage Alliance transitions to one-stop-shop company for craft beverage industry

USA – Lotus Beverage Alliance, a collective of six US craft beverage equipment manufacturing companies, has transitioned to a company after a US$100m merger deal was signed by the members.

The six merged companies – Alpha Brewing Operations, GW Kent, Twin Monkeys, Stout Tanks and Kettles, Brewmation, and Automated Extractions – bring their equipment, infrastructure, and technology together under one roof to become ‘the only end-to-end provider dedicated to crafting possibilities for beverage makers, from nationally distributed beverage purveyors to the everyday craft enthusiast.’

The partners boast combined capabilities that enable beverage manufacturers of all sizes to access ‘the most comprehensive array of products spanning every step of production for craft beer, wine, hard cider, spirits, cold brew coffee, ready-to-drink cocktails, kombucha, CBD/THC-infused drinks, and sake beverages.’

The five founders of the six companies will remain in senior leadership positions at Lotus: Matt Rennerfeldt, John Watt, Kevin Weaver, Josh Van Riper, and Randy Reichwage.

John Ansbro, an industry veteran with more than 30 years of experience in equipment manufacturing, has been named company CEO, having previously held senior executive positions at Alfa Laval, Johnson Controls, and the GEA Group.

“We are very excited about the craft beverage industry as a whole. Currently, the beer and wine market segment accounts for 80% of our current turnover, which has had strong and stable growth,” he said.

“There is a significant opportunity in the craft beverage market that represents the remaining 20% of our turnover, including coffee, ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktails, kombucha, hard seltzer, and an emerging beverage segment–alcohol-free beverages.”

Ansbro explained that one of the focuses of the new entity will be to help craft beverage makers diversify their product lines and get new beverages to market faster.

Lotus has been set up to offer the essential infrastructure and technology for many craft beverages.

It produces 1,500+ top-shelf products, including turnkey brewhouse production equipment, 304 stainless steel conical fermenters, brew kettles, IBC totes, multi-capacity tanks, mash tuns, brite tanks, canning systems, automation and control systems, packaging, thermal processes and sanitation equipment, raw ingredient supply, parts, and more.

Lotus has also introduced a proprietary financing program that offers customers affordable financing options, removing cost barriers for startups and smaller beverage producers (Credit approvals typically take less than 24 hours).

Additionally, the company has implemented an employee ownership program, at no cost to the employees, which is extended to all employees.

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