🚨 Anchor Brewing Sold; Creature Comforts CEO Swap

Anchor Brewing’s future was revealed today with the announcement that Hamdi Ulukaya, the billionaire founder and CEO of yogurt and dairy brand Chobani, has acquired the craft brewery and its 2.17 acre property in San Francisco’s Potrero Hill neighborhood, according to The San Francisco Standard. 

Although a sale price was not disclosed, the real estate had been listed for around $40 million. 

Sapporo announced it would cease operations at 127-year-old Anchor and liquidate the business in July.

Ulukaya announced the news on LinkedIn today, writing: “I have fallen in love with San Francisco, its history, grit, and charm. From my first visit, I felt a deep connection to its people and everything that makes them so special. When I considered acquiring Anchor Brewing Company, I learned the story of this amazing brand – America’s oldest craft beer – is deeply rooted in this great place and the two are forever connected.

“It might be old, it might be given up on, but it is the grand jewel,” Ulukaya continued. 

Keep reading for more on the sale and Anchor’s history.

Creature Comforts co-founder Chris Herron is stepping down as CEO of the Athens, Georgia-based craft brewery. Co-founder Adam Beauchamp will take over the role. 

The CEO transition was announced to employees today during a companywide town hall meeting.

Herron had served in the CEO role since Creature Comforts’ founding in 2014. He will serve in an advisory role during the transition.

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Boston Beer Company is reportedly in talks to sell to Beam Suntory, according to a report in the Wall Street.

The Journal, citing “people familiar with the matter,” reported that the companies “are in early talks” and a deal may not materialize.

Boston Beer’s market cap is around $3 billion, the outlet reported.

The report follows rumblings from analysts earlier this month about a potential sale of the company, although financial services firm Jefferies’ report called a “takeout by a foreign brewer … unlikely.”

Boston Beer denied request for comment.

The Brewbound Live business conference returns December 11 and 12 in Marina del Rey, California.

Brewbound Live will feature beverage-alcohol industry leaders taking part in business-focused conversations, data presentations, networking and much more across two days at the Marina del Rey Marriott.

Brewbound announced the first speakers for this year’s conference. They include:

• Russian River co-owner Natalie Cilurzo;
• Deschutes Brewery CEO Peter Skrbek;
• National Beer Wholesalers Association chief economist and VP of analytics Lester Jones;
• Draftline Technologies founder and president Jennifer Hauke.

Additional speakers will be announced in the coming weeks.

Register for Brewbound Live 2024.

At Brewbound Live in Marina del Rey, CA on December 11 + 12, beer and beverage-alcohol brands can participate in retailer one-to-ones. Leaders from Whole Foods Market will be available for private, pre-scheduled meetings. Brands will be selected at each retailers’ discretion.

As the world’s leader in natural and organic foods, with a vast network spanning over 500 stores, Whole Foods holds substantial influence in the market. These meetings present a unique opportunity for beer and beverage-alcohol brands aspiring to excel in retail channels focusing on natural and organic products. 

Participating brands can gain invaluable insights and strategic guidance tailored towards facilitating growth within these specialized retail environments.

You must be registered for Brewbound Live to be considered for a retailer meeting. Once you register for the event, you will receive an email with instructions for signing up.

Register for Brewbound Live Winter 2024.