Anheuser-Busch announced today that they would be acquiring Long Island craft brewery Blue Point Brewing for an unspecified amount. The deal is expected to close in the next quarter, and like its other recent acquisitions, the brewery will remain at its original location in Patchogue, New York.
From the press release
Anheuser-Busch today announced it has agreed to purchase Blue Point Brewing Co., one of the nation’s top craft brewers with more than 40 beers and sales concentrated along the East Coast, in a move that will bring additional resources to Blue Point’s operations, allowing it to meet growing consumer demand for its award‑winning brands. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
Blue Point, known for its creativity, was founded by Mark Burford and Peter Cotter 15 years ago in Patchogue, N.Y., where the brewery will continue to operate. Anheuser-Busch also plans to invest in the brewery to grow its operational capabilities and enhance the consumer experience over the next few years.
“We are deeply grateful to our family of loyal employees and customers. Our success was made possible by the hard work of good people and good beer in Patchogue,” said Peter Cotter, who will continue to be instrumental in the success of the brands along with co-founder Mark Burford. “Together, our talented brewing team and Anheuser-Busch will have the resources to create new and exciting beers and share our portfolio with even more beer lovers,” said Mark Burford.
In 2013, Blue Point sold approximately 60,000 barrels, with 50 percent of the volume from its flagship brand, Toasted Lager. It also sells Hoptical Illusion, Blueberry Ale and seasonal brands among others.
“As we welcome Blue Point into the Anheuser-Busch family of brands, we look forward to working with Mark and Peter to accelerate the growth of the Blue Point portfolio and expand to new markets, while preserving the heritage and innovation of the brands,” said Luiz Edmond, CEO of Anheuser-Busch. “With Anheuser-Busch’s strong beer credentials, we share a commitment to offering high-quality beers that excite consumers. Blue Point brands have a strong following and even more potential.”
The St. Louis Post-Dispatch also some additional information on the deal and its background.
And in case you’re unfamiliar with Blue Point, here’s an overview, also from the press release.
Blue Point Brewing Company is Long Island’s oldest and most award-winning brewery. Founded in 1998 by Mark Burford and Pete Cotter, Blue Point Brewery is headquartered in Patchogue, New York, and is currently the 34th largest craft brewery in the U.S. Blue Point Brewing Company is independently owned and operated and its beers are available in 15 states of distribution including New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Vermont, Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia, Florida, and Michigan. Blue Point’s portfolio of more than 40 craft beers includes Hoptical Illusion, ESB, RastafaRye Ale, Sour Cherry Imperial Stout, Toxic Sludge, White IPA, No Apologies Double IPA, and its flagship Toasted Lager, which won the World Beer Cup in 2006.
Guess the deal with MillerCoors didn’t go through a few years ago?
http://bluepointbrewing.com/Releases/BPBCmillercoors.html
“Blue Point Brewing Company — independently owned with no corporate ties. Ever.”
So much for that!
Whoops.
Well scratch another beer I will not be buying anymore!!
Eastern Long Island’s Blue Point Brewing (Patchogue, New York) gets taken over by a giant with large boots. We can only hope they will step carefully.
That’s a very sensible way to look at it. Rejecting them because of the acquisition would bbe snobbish at best.
If they continue making good beer, under the new ownership, why should the new ownership matter at all? If anything, I’ll be congratulating the folks who started Blue Point. For what it’s worth, Goose Island has fared very well indeed from a similar arrangement., both financially and quality-wise.
Beer lovers had better get used to small brewers getting bigger and/or being bought up by larger companies. It _will_ continue to happen. Don’t kid yourself: breweries are after all in business to make money (at least the smarter ones are). Besides, if the beer is good, it matters not who makes it.
Craft beer will become more mainstream, for sure. It’s actually starting to happen already. When the new generations of beer drinkers practically make it become “the norm” will it lose ALL of it’s snob appeal at that pont??
The coming few years are going to be VERY interesting.