Craft Brew Alliance (CBA), an independent craft brewing company, has signed a Letter of Intent to form a partnership with Appalachian Mountain Brewery (AMB) to explore potential opportunities to drive business growth and shareholder value through sharing resources in brewing, purchasing, distribution, and sales.
The prospective partnership also gives AMB’s employees access to CBA’s thought leadership, technical resources and experience in brewing, branding and bringing to market world-class American craft beers.
The two companies have distinctive and identifiable brands that are rooted in real local heritage and a strong belief in the importance of community, philanthropy and sustainability.
CBA’s portfolio of brands includes Widmer Brothers Brewing, Kona Brewing and Redhook Brewery, which are known for their community involvement and commitment to environmental sustainability.
AMB oversees multiple programs focused on enriching its local communities, including its Pints for Non-Profits program and We Can So You Can initiative, which donates proceeds from every 16 oz. can sale towards the revitalization of mountains and rivers throughout the Appalachian Mountain Chain.
In May 2014, AMB won the Startup Brewery Challenge at the Brewbound Session in Boston.
CBA is a three-time sponsor of the contest, in which craft brewery owners have three minutes to present their business models and pour one beer that receives immediate feedback from an expert panel of judges. Following the Challenge, the two companies had an opportunity to work together on a collaboration beer.
It was during this experience that the companies discovered a strong cultural similarity and mutual interest in exploring a longer-term partnership that would align with both companies’ values and business objectives.
