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(Courtesy Stone Brewing / Sapporo USA)
On June 23 Stone Brewing shocked the craft beer biz by announcing that it was being acquired by Japanese brewing giant Sapporo and the $165 million closed quickly in August.
Founded by Greg Koch and Steve Wagner in 1996, Stone Brewing was one of the largest craft brewery in the United States at the time, but given that it is now owned by an international beer major it is no longer considered a true “craft brewery” using the Boulder, Colorado-based trade organization, the Brewers Association’s definition of craft beer.
In acquiring Stone, Sapporo secured the ninth-largest, Brewers Association-defined craft brewery by volume in the US in 2021, the 18th largest US brewing company overall, and one of the most recognizable names in craft brewing.
Under Sapporo management Stone continues to operate breweries in Escondido, CA and Richmond, VA, along with seven taproom and bistro locations. And its goal is to not only manage Stone’s growth in the United States, but also to harness the brewery’s considerable production resources to produce more Sapporo beers in America where it is currently the #1 selling Asian beer brand.
“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, loyal fans, superb management, shared cultural values, and commitment to the highest quality standards,” Kenny Sadai, Chairman, Sapporo U.S.A., said.
“This 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. It’s a perfect fusion of east meets west that is an ideal marriage for Sapporo’s long-term growth strategy in the US”
And now Sapporo, Japan’s oldest beer brand still operating today, has begun producing its beers in Escondido for the US market.
“When Sapporo was looking for a partner, they were looking for someone that could expand and brew Sapporo, but also a brand that they could help further develop,” Sean Monahan, chief operating officer for Stone and Sapporo Brewing told KPBS. “And so they fully embrace what Stone is, and we continue to innovate into the future.”
According to Monahan “it will be a few more months before locally brewed Sapporo will be available on store shelves. However, locals can find it at each of Stone’s World Bistro & Gardens locations under the experimental lager labels.”
