How Much Are Microbreweries Worth?

In my earlier post I discussed the rapid increase of the craft brewery market and the integration of the microbreweries into a bigger realm of the beer industry. But since then new developments have occurred. Yesterday it was announced that San Diego’s Ballast Point Brewing & Spirits Company is being bought for $1 Billion. The buyer is alcoholic beverage conglomerate, Constellation Brands Inc. This buy out is Constellation’s biggest brand addition since 2012 when it purchased the remaining 50 percent interest in Crown Imports LLC for $1.85 Billion. As Bart Watson, Chief Economist for the Brewers Association, put it in Continue reading How Much Are Microbreweries Worth?

Thesis Corner: All About the Craft Beer Industry

In the past, I’ve written Thesis Corners on the biological importance of water and coffee’s link to national health, but today’s blog will focus on the industry changes happening to another beverage: beer. From a brewer’s standpoint, the beer business is a precious trade that stimulates one’s business savvy, scientific know-how, and an artistic expression to some degree. This week I had an email exchange with senior Eric Hopfenbeck, who tackled the entire craft brewing industry for his thesis. Read on to understand what classifies a craft brew, how this beer category is capturing market share from the Goliath beer companies, and a potential Continue reading Thesis Corner: All About the Craft Beer Industry