Firestone Walker acquires CA beer maker Stone Brewing

Key Points:

• Firestone Walker Brewing is acquiring Stone Brewing, an iconic California craft-beer brand based in Escondido and owned by Sapporo USA, with the deal expected to close by mid-2024.
• The acquisition includes Stone Brewing’s beers and taprooms in San Diego, Oceanside, and Pasadena, with production gradually moving to San Luis Obispo County and Duvel USA’s Kansas City brewery.
• This purchase follows Firestone Walker’s recent acquisition of the western U.S. operations of Austrian brewery Trumer Pils, reflecting ongoing consolidation trends in the craft beer industry due to challenging market conditions.
• Firestone Walker and Duvel Moortgat USA, which owns Firestone, emphasize preserving Stone Brewing’s legacy as a pioneering West Coast IPA brand, maintaining its distinct voice and commitment to quality and innovation.
• Sapporo is considering long-term options for Stone’s Escondido brewery and bistro, while Firestone Walker will manage the brand’s presence in California, the Western U.S., Texas, and national accounts, with Duvel USA supporting distribution east of the Rockies.