It's a tough time out there for mid size regional breweries that rely on distribution as part of their strategy. Squeezed on one side by the big boys on price, and then by a ton of smaller hyper local brands jostling for ever reducing shelf space. Not to mention the contract lager with fancy labels crowd.
Glad to see both these breweries find a path forward that works for them and their employees. Thanks for your take here.
Tommy! So cool you read this piece! I think you are spot on about the difficult place that "midsized" breweries find themselves in right now. Ironically, this is precisely the "weight-class" Fort Point-HenHouse has entered. I think it is telling that the two similar sized craft breweries in the area, Drake's and Russian River, have pursued large scale retail operations far more aggressively than either FP or HHB has to this point.
Thanks for reading. I got the sense that a few folks expected/hoped I would flame everyone involved in this merger as anti-craft or something. Hence the cheeky title.
This might be the most insightful breakdown of the values of craft brewing that I've ever read. It helps that I already knew the breweries cited, and have followed their beer stories through the years.
Yeah, the merger game doesn’t work if it’s just about reducing costs. You have to use the money that’s freed up to invest in the brands not give your investors a large dividend.
Great read as always, Sayre. I was about to write a nice reply but backed out of the screen and lost it all. Anyway, it’s always awesome to hear your take on what’s happening and what’s needed for the love of craft beer.
It's a tough time out there for mid size regional breweries that rely on distribution as part of their strategy. Squeezed on one side by the big boys on price, and then by a ton of smaller hyper local brands jostling for ever reducing shelf space. Not to mention the contract lager with fancy labels crowd.
Glad to see both these breweries find a path forward that works for them and their employees. Thanks for your take here.
Tommy! So cool you read this piece! I think you are spot on about the difficult place that "midsized" breweries find themselves in right now. Ironically, this is precisely the "weight-class" Fort Point-HenHouse has entered. I think it is telling that the two similar sized craft breweries in the area, Drake's and Russian River, have pursued large scale retail operations far more aggressively than either FP or HHB has to this point.
Not a disappointing take at all - right on the nose!
Thanks for reading. I got the sense that a few folks expected/hoped I would flame everyone involved in this merger as anti-craft or something. Hence the cheeky title.
Ahhh! Enough drama in this world already
I love the word bulwark. Business and creative expression CAN coexist, and you’ve beautifully articulated the dance that’s required.
This might be the most insightful breakdown of the values of craft brewing that I've ever read. It helps that I already knew the breweries cited, and have followed their beer stories through the years.
Wow. That is so kind of you to say! Thank you for reading.
Yeah, the merger game doesn’t work if it’s just about reducing costs. You have to use the money that’s freed up to invest in the brands not give your investors a large dividend.
Thanks for reading!
Great read as always, Sayre. I was about to write a nice reply but backed out of the screen and lost it all. Anyway, it’s always awesome to hear your take on what’s happening and what’s needed for the love of craft beer.
Thanks for reading, Mario