FX Matt Brewing Acquires Flying Dog Brewery

Maryland’s largest craft brewery has been acquired by FX Matt, a large family owned brewing operation in Utica, NY that had already been contract brewing some of Flying Dog’s beers.

This from Flying Dog’s press release…

FX Matt Brewing Company and Flying Dog Brewery today announced that FX Matt Brewing Company is acquiring Flying Dog and is in the process of looking for a location for a Flying Dog taproom, to include an innovation brewery, in Frederick, MD.

FX Matt Brewing Company, founded in 1888 and the 4^th longest-running family-owned brewery in the United States, has been brewing many of Flying Dog’s beers over the last ten years due to limitations at Flying Dog’s Frederick brewery. Flying Dog will shift all production to FX Matt over the course of the summer and is expected to cease operations sometime in August. This will be a seamless transition with all Flying Dog beers being brewed at FX Matt Brewing in New York until a taproom and innovation brewery opens in Frederick.

“It is important to me that FX Matt Brewing is offering employment opportunities to as many employees as possible and we will provide job placement assistance to team members”, says Flying Dog CEO Jim Caruso. “Frederick is a great place to live and do business, unfortunately even though we have invested millions of dollars in the brewery, it has too many limitations and puts Flying Dog at too great a competitive disadvantage.

I could not imagine a beer steward for the Flying Dog brand going forward than FX Matt Brewing Company. We have worked with them for many years, they are a prestigious family-owned brewery with more than 135 years of history, they are committed to building on the deep roots Flying Dog has established in Maryland, and their capabilities will take Flying Dog to a new level,” added Caruso.

“We are forever grateful for the loyalty that Maryland craft beer drinkers have shown to Flying Dog and we look forward to continuing to be a part of the Maryland community moving forward,” stated Flying Dog CMO Ben Savage, who will become President of the Flying Dog division of FX Matt Brewing.

 “This acquisition gives our brand immediate capabilities and flexibility to adapt to the changing consumer preferences. There will always be a market for great beer, but the lines between beer, cocktails, spirits, and wine continue to blur. FX Matt Brewing Company gives Flying Dog significant resources to not only optimize our current product portfolio, but also quickly develop products in new, emerging categories.”

 “Flying Dog has created an amazing brand, award-winning beers, and offers us a great opportunity to grow in the Mid-Atlantic Region.  When you think of craft beer in Maryland and the mid-Atlantic, Flying Dog is the first brand that pops into your head. We are excited to join forces with such a great brand and look forward to helping Flying Dog reach new heights,” comments Fred Matt CEO of FX Matt Brewing Company.

Production of all Flying Dog beers will shift from Frederic, MD to the FX Matt production facility in Utica, NY over the summer.

And as is usual with these kinds of deals financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

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