US – Japanese beer brewing giant Sapporo is bolstering its presence in the US market with the acquisition of Stone Brewing, the ninth-largest craft brewery by volume in the US.
With the acquisition of the California-based craft brewery, Sapporo will bring together the complementary strengths of Japanese artistry and innovation with the American craft brewing tradition in a fusion of cultures.
The company said the acquisition will give it high-quality brewing capacity on both US coasts that will enable it to produce its Sapporo-branded beers for US distribution in
Building on existing capabilities at Stone’s two breweries, supported by planned capital investments, Sapporo intends to brew 360,000 barrels in the US by the end of 2024.
This will essentially double Stone Brewing’s current production which produces brews such as Stone IPA, Stone Delicious IPA, and Stone Buenaveza Salt & Lime Lager.
Under the agreement, Stone Brewing will continue to produce its own craft beers at the two breweries, as well as operate its seven tap rooms.
The craft brewer will also continue to manage the World Bistro & Gardens destinations with existing branding, management, and workforce under the Sapporo umbrella.
Being an independent entity, Stone will continue to service Southern California with a portfolio of 42 craft brands, including Stone Brewing, and will add exponential opportunities for growth, from production to more investment in people, equipment, sales, and marketing, Sapporo revealed.
Kenny Sadai, chairman of Sapporo USA, commented: “We approached Stone Brewing seeking a partner for our growth plans in the US and we quickly recognized they were an ideal partner with bi-coastal brewing capacity”.
Sadai added that the acquisition puts the resources and legacy of the largest Asian beer brand in America together with one of the most innovative and recognized craft beer brands in the world.
Stone’s acquisition is the second purchase from the craft brew segment of Sapporo U.S.A.’s business, following the acquisition of Anchor Brewing Co. in 2017.
Florida Food Products to acquire Javo Beverage to drive a series of innovativatio
Meanwhile, Florida Food Products, a specialized manufacturer of fruit and vegetable-based concentrates and functional derivatives is set to acquire Javo Beverage Co.
Javo Beverage Co. uses proprietary technology and product development processes to create coffee, tea, and botanical extracts for the food and beverage industry.
Its ingredients are used in ready-to-drink beverages, coffee, tea, alcoholic drinks, non-alcoholic and functional beverages as well as in other items like dairy and dairy alternatives, baked foods, desserts, savory items, ice cream, and novelties.
The company operates a 65,000-square-foot production facility at its headquarters in Vista, Calif., and a 240,000-square-foot facility in Indianapolis.
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