AB InBev buys Wicked Weed Brewing
AB InBev buys Wicked Weed Brewing is the big news in craft beer this week. It is the first craft brewery purchase of 2017 as Wicked Weed Brewing gets added to their portfolio called “The High End”. Read the full press release here.
But how does a buyout like this affect the beer industry? And what does it mean for craft beer drinkers?
The Great Craft Beer Debate
One of the biggest debates in the beer world is determining how these buyouts impact the craft beer industry. Here are two of the most common reactions that I hear after a buyout.
Reaction 1: As Long As Their Beer Tastes Good, I Will Drink It
Furthermore, many get excited about these acquisitions. Wicked Weed is not available in most areas but I can almost guarantee that will change rapidly over the next year. It won’t be long until Wicked Weed is a staple in every bottle shop and grocery store across the nation. And that is reason for many to get excited.
Reaction 2: It’s The Worst Thing Ever And Craft Beer Is Coming To An End
Ok, that is not a direct quote but it is how many feel. They are not willing to support macro beer or any brand that is owned by them. And it has nothing to do with the beer but rather business practices.
Many are fearful of what AB InBev is capable of doing as the largest beer company in the world. Or should I say, what they are already doing. It wasn’t long ago that macro lagers seemed like the only beer option outside of the occasional import. Now the beer market is a war zone and the company with the biggest weapons is AB InBev. They have the ability to leverage partnerships, control distribution, demand shelf space and take over tap handles. Craft beer fans worry that this kind of power hurts craft breweries ability to sell their product.
Related Post: What Is Craft Beer: My Opinion
They Aren’t Buying The Beer
And it doesn’t stop there, AB InBev is using its power and money to prevent the growth of craft beer. Check out what Jeffery Stuffings of Jester King said about this acquisition. He is cancelling a collaboration that was planned with Wicked Weed because of the buyout. He cites that it has nothing to do with the quality of beer that will be produced but rather the business practices of AB InBev. Well written but strong words from a highly regarded member of the craft beer community.
Will Cincinnati See A Buyout?
My Opinion
So are these buyouts good for craft beer? No, when these companies sell it is not good for the craft beer industry. AB InBev is merely buying market share because the know most will not care where the profits go. But in the end, they will use their power and market influence to control the industry and make it more difficult for small breweries to succeed.
However, it does not have to hurt the overall community. The people that love craft beer love it because it is about more than just the beer. So instead of buying Wicked Weed, craft beer fans will shift to other local breweries. Because when these companies sell, they lose what made them great. It may be the same people, recipes and vision but it isn’t the same. AB InBev doesn’t want to help spread great beer; they want to control the beer market and craft beer enthusiasts recognize this.
Related Post: The Neighborhood Brewery
How Craft Beer Wins
So craft beer wins by doing what they have always done. Continue to build strong communities of dedicated followers. It is sad when these brands sell to large corporations but it’s just a reality of business. So regardless of how you feel about these most recent buyout; go to a local brewery and support them. Encourage and educate those around you to drink good, locally produced craft beer. Keeping your beer choices local is the best way to support craft beer.