abqjournal.com 7777 Jefferson St NE Albuquerque, NM 87109 Phone: 505-823-4400 Email: cs@abqpubco.com As of 2021, the states without Bell's beer distribution are Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Utah, and Washington,[23] as well as California north of Los Angeles County.[24]. In addition to its year-round offerings, Kalamazoo Brewing Company also produces a number of seasonal and limited edition beers. Yuengling & Son, Molson Coors Tenth & Blake, and Boston Beer Company. WebBell's Brewery, Inc. is an American craft brewing company, with operations in Comstock and Kalamazoo, Michigan.Bell's brews acclaimed beers such as Hopslam Ale, Oberon Ale, and Were pleased that these values and the craft culture weve fostered at New Belgium were key factors in the creation of this new partnership with Bells, andLionlooksforward to, supporting both breweries in this next phase of growth., Tegan Flanagan External Relations Director, Lizzy Bold Media & Communications Manager /, Bells Brewery, Inc. began in 1985 in Kalamazoo, Michigan, with Larry Bell, a quest for better beer and a 15-gallon soup kettle. Just asLion once crossed the Tasman to establish itself in Australia, now we have crossed the Pacific to forma leadingcraft beer business in the United States, the largest craft beer market in the world,he added. In 2014, the trend began when Founding Brewing Company sold a 30% stake in Mahou San Miguel of Spain. Lion, based in Australia and a subsidiary of the Japanese beer giant Kirin, will be the new owner. He once accused brewery owners of selling all or parts of their operations to large international brewing conglomerates. dataLayerNews.related_tags = sanitize_gpt_value2("Lion, Craft beer, Us"); [9], In 2003, Bell's opened an additional brewing facility in nearby Comstock, Michigan. Kirin-owned Lion entered the US craft beer market in 2019 with the acquisition of Colorados New Belgium Brewery, then the fourth largest craft brewery in In 1991, the company opened a second brewery, and in 1994, it expanded into a brewery and brewpub. Founded in 1985 in Kalamazoo, Michigan,Bellshas grown to become one of the largest craft brewers in the country, with distribution across 43 states as well as the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed, although Lion will acquire 100% of the Michigan-based craft brewery, which operates in Kalamazoo and Comstock. Exploring The Craft Beer Scene In The Pacific Northwest: Where Is Badass Beer Made? Bells Brewery, the Michigan-based craft beer maker behind massively influential brews like Oberon Ale and Two Hearted IPA, will be sold for an undisclosed Only time will tell if King can keep his promise, but for now, Bells fans can rest easy knowing that their favorite brewery is in good hands. A subsidiary of the Japanese Kirin beverage group, Lion also owns Colorado-based New Belgium Brewing Company.[7]. Bell's beer is distributed in forty-three states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. A number of nondisclosure agreements were reached as a result of Arlington Capitals involvement in the Bells Brewery process. Bells Brewery, the maker of Two Hearted Ale and Oberon, has been sold to an international company based in Australia and Japan. dataLayerNews = {}; The Lion is also the unofficial mascot of our hometown of Kalamazoo, so its only fitting that it adorns our bottles and cans.. As a result, Michigans largest and oldest independent craft brewer is about to undergo a leadership change. Their purchase of Bells Brewery is their first foray into the American market, and they intend to bring their decades of experience and knowledge to bear on the brewery. Bell's Brewery sold to Lion, will combine with New The Bells Brewery website describes the Lion as follows: The Lion is a powerful and regal creature, and its no coincidence that our flagship Kalamazoo Stout shares its name. In 2019, New Belgium which at the time was 100-percent employee-owned and has locations in Fort Collins, Colo. and Asheville, N.C. agreed to sell to Lion in the Sydney, Australia-based firms first foray into the U.S. craft beer market. There are dozens of craft breweries in the state of Great Lake, making some of the most daring and interesting brews in the country. In 1991, a group of friends founded New Belgium in Fort Collins, Colorado. The sale is the latest in a string of high-profile brewery transactions in recent years. Once complete, the deal will create the fifth-largest craft brewery control group, trailing Anheuser-Buschs Brewers Collective, D.G. Bells Beer Company, founded in 1985, started brewing its first beers in a 15-gallon soup kettle and went on to make numerous distinctive beers, including the Two Hearted Ale and the Oberon Ale, through its acquisition by Lion, a subsidiary of the Japanese beverage conglomerate Kirin. Exploring The Different Types Of Fermentation Used To Create Beer, How Many Carbs Are In Busch Ice Beer? New Belgium Brewing, a Colorado-based brewery, was purchased in 2019. Lion is spending $20 million on the project, between the fitout and a 10-year lease, says managing director Rory Glass, and it will employ about 100 staff. Carrie Yunker, Bells executive vice president, will continue to lead day-to-day operations for the companys brand. Veterans Day:Veterans can get free food at IHOP, Denny's, Wendy's, Applebee's and more. [18][19] Hopslam, a double IPA, is very popular among craft beer drinkers and sparks a backlog of demand at its yearly seasonal release; it has also placed within the Top 10.[20][21][22]. While the leadership team at Bell's will not change and neither will day-to-day operations at its Comstock, Michigan-based facility and Kalamazoo, Michigan-based Eccentric Cafand Shop, the craft brewing titan will move forward without Bell, the pioneer of craft beer in Michigan and as influential of a figure as any in what has blossomed into one of America's richest beer states, with more than 400 operating breweries. Lion is a subsidiary of Japanese brewing giant Kirin. Bells Brewing to be Sold to Australasian Corporation - Eater Chicago After the sale is completed in the coming months, beer drinkers should be able to enjoy Bells current beers. The companys growth is a testament to the popularity of its beer and the craft brewing scene in Michigan. Im super excited about where this takes us as companies.. Bells Brewery announced Wednesday that it has reached an agreement with Lion, an Australian-based brewer and owner of New }); Copyright - Unless otherwise stated all contents of this web site are 2023 - William Reed Ltd - All Rights Reserved - Full details for the use of materials on this site can be found in the Terms & Conditions, Related topics Year-to-date through October 3, New Belgium has posted nearly $273.2 million in off-premise dollar sales (+19.9%), while Bells has recorded $88.2 million in sales (-4%) in multi-outlet and convenience stores tracked by market research firm IRI. Upper Hand Brewery, a sister company based in Escanaba on Michigans Upper Peninsula, opened in 2014. Bells Brewery is known for its Seasonal Wheat Ales, such as Two Hearted Ale and Oberon. As of 2019, it ranked seventh among all craft breweries in the United States. Celebrate St Patricks Day In Orange County With A Pint Of Green Beer! The combination ofBellsand New Belgium places the expanded company at the top of the U.S. craft beer market in sales volume and growth, with an extraordinary lineup of brands including the #1 IPA brand in the U.S., Voodoo Ranger, along with Fat Tire, Two Hearted Ale, and Oberon Ale. Two Hearted Ale (an India Pale Ale named for the Two Hearted River in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan) has been ranked by the American Homebrewers Association as one of the best beers in the United States, in its magazine Zymurgy. Until more information is released, fans of the beer can continue to enjoy it as usual. Atwater Brewery in Detroit has been acquired by Molson Coors Beverage. As a result, New Holland Brewing Company of New Holland is now Michigans largest craft brewery. Is Artificial Intelligence Taking Over the Food Industry? Both moves meanHolland-based New Holland Brewing Co. is now the largest fullyindependent craft brewery in Michigan, based on sales volume, according to the Brewers Association's Top 50 list (New Holland is No. Other popular beers brewed by Bells include the Two Hearted Ale, a 7% ABV IPA, and the Oberon, a 5.8% ABV wheat ale. [11], In late 2012, the Bell family repurchased all stock held by outside investors, returning the company to full family ownership. [9] The company legally changed its name in 2006 to Bell's Brewery, Inc., reflecting the name by which it was popularly known. Bells Brewery founder, Larry Bell announced that he has reached an agreement with Lion, an Australian-based brewer, for the sale of Bells. The net worth of Bells Brewery is calculated by comparing Bells influence on Google, Wikipedia, YouTube, Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook to that of any other company in the world. Founders, long considered Bell's' counterpart as a Michigancraft brewing giant, sold a 90% majority stake to Spanish company Mahou San Miguel in 2019. Lion Little World Beverages Inc., a division of Japans Kirin Holdings Co. Ltd., is acquiring Bells Brewery. Bell's Brewery googletag.cmd.push(function () { This is a rational, mature adult decision that I feel is the best thing for the company and my employees, Bell told Brewbound. 15-Nov-2021 Bell established his brewery in 1985 with its initial beers brewed in a 15-gallon soup kettle. Begun as a homebrewing store in 1983, and producing beer since 1985, it is the oldest existing craft brewery in Michigan and the oldest craft brewery east of Colorado. Im not going to lose sleep over it. "We hope ourconsumers continue to support those employees.". With new ownership and a commitment to preserving the brewerys traditions, there is no doubt that Bells will continue to thrive as a vital player in the Michigan beer scene. Michigans Bells Brewery, which has forged some of Chicagos deepest craft beer roots since launching in the 1980s, has agreed to be sold to Australian beer company Lion and its parent, Japanese beer giant Kirin. Shorts Brewing Company, Founders Brewing Company, and Kuhnhenn Brewing Company are the three best-known craft breweries in Michigan. One of the most popular and well-known craft breweries in Michigan is Founders Brewing Company. Bells Brewery founder Larry Bell announced the deal with Australias Lion Little World Beverages, which acquired Fort Collins-founded New Belgium in 2019, and his googletag.display('text-ad1'); Lion announced the acquisition of Bells Brewing, the seventh largest craft brewery in the United States. Bells Brewery will continue to operate as an independent company. When Larry Bell began his journey as a homebrewer, he was dedicated to brewing flavorful, unfiltered, and high-quality craft beers. Since 1984, Larry Bell has run Bells Brewery in Michigan, making it one of the states most well-known businesses. Bells Brewery had the highest sales of any craft brewery in Michigan between January 1 and October 31 with $48.5 million, according to IRI. Bell first ventured into the world of beer while working at a bakery in 1976 following his graduation from Kalamazoo College, according to the brewerys website. In mid-January, Bells named long-time employee Carrie Yunker to the newly created role of EVP, as part of the companys succession plan. Brewing company in Comstock, Michigan, US, This article is about the brewery. The combination of two decades-old craft breweries results in an unrivaled portfolio, which we think allows us to better serve customers, better serve partners, Fechheimer said. Since 1996, the Kalamazoo-based company has grown to be one of the states largest and oldest independent craft breweries. if (i!=(aTags.length-1)) This brewery produces a diverse range of seasonal and specialty beers. Anheuser-Busch acquired Breckenridge Brewery in 2016, Mahou San Miguel purchased Avery Brewing, and Lion purchased New Belgium Brewing. Lion is a pioneer in brewing and continues to innovate across a range of adult beverages. Once the transaction closes, Yunker will continue in her role guiding the Michigan craft brewerys daily operations. Bells became one of the nations largest craft brewers in 1985 after being founded. Since then, Bells has grown into one of the largest craft breweries in America, distributing to 43 states, in addition to Puerto Rico and Washington DC. The brewery is best known for its flagship beer, Two Hearted Ale, as well as a variety of other popular beers such as Oberon and Hopslam. Bells Brewery is committed to assisting new homebrewers in continuing this tradition by welcoming them into the community. 6 min read Bell's Comstock Brewery in Galesburg, Mich., on Nov. 10, 2021. Today, Bells Brewery is the largest craft brewery in Michigan and the seventh largest in the United States. Kirins purchase of Fermentum comes just days after the company was given approval for a $368 million deal (U.S.) to purchase Australias Fixation, Stone, and Wood breweries. Larry Bell created his first beer in Kalamazoo, Michigan, with a 15-gallon pot of soup in 1985. Hundreds of craft breweries now operate throughout Michigan as a result of its passage. The Sale Of Bells Brewery: Implications For The Craft Beer Industry With Bells, Lion adds one of the first craft breweries, a workforce of 550 and around 500,000 barrels of capacity in the Midwest. Bells Brewery Acquisition Establishes Lion As Leading Im really fortunate to have this agreement with Lion, whos going to have us join forces with New Belgium. Kalamazoo Brewing Company is a Michigan-based brewery founded in 1997. I'm fine, I had successful surgery. Larry Bell is the founder and owner of Bells Brewery, one of the largest and most successful craft breweries in the United States. As weve thought about that over the past two years, most of which was during the pandemic, it was pretty clear to us that theres not really a better cultural fit, brand fit, legacy story than there is with Larry Bell and the wonderful company hes built here. Matt Tapper, Managing Director of Little World Beverages, relocated to the United States last year. Australasian brewer,Lionhastodayannouncedthe acquisition of Michigans BellsBrewery,which will now come together with itsNew Belgium subsidiary in the United States. [10] A larger production facility in Comstock opened in 2012, increasing the company's brewing capacity from 180,000 barrels to 500,000 barrels per year. The brand expanded to Wisconsin and Indiana in 1990. The Lion Brewing Company purchased Bells Brewery in Comstock and Kalamazoo, Michigan. Since the successful acquisition of Colorado based New Belgium Brewing in2019its leading brand Voodoo Ranger has gone on to become thenumber oneselling IPA in the US, propelling New Belgium to be the fastest growing craftbeerbusiness in thecountry.. Lion acquired Colorados New Belgium Brewing in 2019. It is the latest development in an uphill battle for the American craft beer industry. Bells Brewery, owned and operated by Larry Bell, was founded in Kalamazoo, Michigan, in 1985. Lion Larry Bell incorporated The Kalamazoo Brewing Company, Inc., in 1983 as a homebrewing supply shop in Kalamazoo, Michigan. In October of 2018, it was announced that Anheuser-Busch InBev had reached a deal to acquire Bells Brewery. Bells beer is available in over 20 different styles, and it was founded in 1985. This isnt a money grab. Lion, a Japanese-Australian-American beer company, purchased Bells Brewery. 2023 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network, LLC. "For us to be joining forces with New Belgium is fantastic," Bell said., A big beer:Samuel Adams to release Utopias beer that's 28% ABV and illegal in 15 states. Founded in Kalamazoo, Michigan, in 1985, Bells is the top-selling craft brewery in its home state, selling $48.5 million in Michigan chain retail Jan. 1 to Oct. 31, Craft. Us In October of 2018, Anheuser-Busch InBev announced that they would be acquiring Bells Brewery for $100 million. Bell Turned His Homebrewing Obsession Into Something Really This was a huge acquisition for the worlds largest beer company, and it signaled a new era for the much-loved Michigan brewery. The U.S. beer industry has one less independent brewer. Eventually, Bell says, his homebrewing was getting out of control.. The companys flagship beer, Bells Oberon, is a wheat ale that is beloved by many beer drinkers. Exploring The Different Types Of Fermentation Used To Create Beer, How Many Carbs Are In Busch Ice Beer? The company was founded in 1985 by Larry Bell, who previously worked as a home brewer. Exploring The Craft Beer Scene In The Pacific Northwest: Where Is Badass Beer Made? Colorados Bells Brewery is Early on, New Belgium established norms that were and still are rare in the business world: fully paid healthcare premiums for coworkers, paying a living wage, open-book management, renewable energy sourcing, a free onsite medical clinic staffed by a doctor trained in trans medicine, and more practices that, all together, represent a unique human-powered business model that continues to evolve. #BellsAlwaysInspiredpic.twitter.com/wiMIF8kRa8. "But there comes a time that you have to decide what you're going to do. Id rather be around and help in that transition for everybody that I care about at Bells. Big buzz behind limited edition beer", "Bye-Bye Bell's How Illinois beer distribution laws, fiercely protected by a powerful industry, drove away one of Chicago's favorite small brewers", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Bell%27s_Brewery&oldid=1145422789, Short description is different from Wikidata, Infobox mapframe without OSM relation ID on Wikidata, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 4.0, This page was last edited on 19 March 2023, at 02:22. A company based in Australia has purchased The Bell family will remain involved in the company, and it will continue to operate out of its Kalamazoo, Michigan headquarters. For more information, please visit, New Belgium was founded in 1991 in Fort Collins, Colorado, by Kim Jordan, a social worker, who built her company the only way a social worker would: People first. Exploring The Factors That Determine Beer Shelf-Life, Navigating Tax Deductions For Beer And Wine Purchases For Nonprofit Organizations, Aged To Perfection: Uncovering The Secrets Of Yuengling Americas Oldest Brewing Tradition, Discover The Unique Flavor Of Sarsaparilla Beer: An Exploration Of Its Taste And History, Know Your Beer: An Overview Of Calories In Different Types Of Beer. It operates a brewpub and a store selling merchandise and homebrewing supplies at its Kalamazoo location. This marks a new chapter for the iconic Michigan brewery, which was founded in 1985 by Larry Bell. In 2018, Lion paid $104 million for a majority stake in Bells Brewery, one of the largest and most iconic craft breweries in the United States. Bell's was temporarily pulled from the Illinois market in October 2006 when Union Beverage, its distributor to Chicago, tried to sell its distribution rights to a competitor which Larry Bell did not trust to adequately represent the brewer's full product line. Larry Bell, a homebrewer, opened his first store in Downtown Kalamazoo in 1983. No price was disclosed, but Bells Brewery was founded in 1985 by Larry Bell and is headquartered in Kalamazoo, Michigan. } Larry Bell, the founder of Bells Brewery, sold it to Lion Little World Beverages, an Australian subsidiary of the Japanese Kirin beverage group, at the end of 2021. Bells Brewerys executive vice president, Carrie Yunker, is looking forward to collaborating with New Belgium. However, as of yet, there has been no official word from Bells Brewery regarding any possible sale. We're going to do right by the Kalamazoo community, by the Michigan community and by Bell's fans all around the country.". In 1993 the company opened an adjacent brewpub, the Eccentric Caf. Larry Bell started homebrewing in his college days, and later founded Bells Brewery in 1985. [25][26][27] In August 2008, Bell's was able to return its primary brands to the area, after Union Beverage's parent company quit the Illinois market.[28]. The brewery started out as a small operation in Kalamazoo, Michigan, but soon became one of the most popular craft breweries in the country. Bells will be operated under New Belgium Brewing of Fort Collins, Colorado, which sold to Kirin in 2019. Initially sold only in the U.P., it began limited distribution in the Lower Peninsula in 2020. Lion Celebrate with us; tell us about your first #BellsBeer. Consecrator Doppelbock is released once a year. Upper Hand Brewerys satellite location in Escanaba was included in the sale, which closed on December 31. And then there's the introduction of hard seltzer and canned cocktails, which have put a dent in overall beer sales the past few years. DETROIT Bell's Brewery is selling. Bell's Brewery announces sale to Lion as Larry Bell retires Bells Brewery is deeply rooted in homebrewing, our community, and sharing our craft with beer lovers old and new. Larry Bell, the founder of Bells Brewery, is retiring. The brewery, which is located in Grand Rapids, was founded in 1997 by Mike Stevens and Dave Engbers. And some hitting, as well, added Fechheimer, who Bell said also roots for the Cubbies. According to sources, dozens of small to mid-sized craft breweries are still looking into sales. (Zach Gibson/The Grand Rapids Press via AP, File) In making the announcement of the deal to sell the brewery he created, Bell cited two factors. The brand is distributed in 43 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico, excluding northern and central California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Utah, Alaska and Hawaii. The brewery also has a pub in downtown Kalamazoo, and a general store in Comstock, Michigan. for (var i=0; i < aTags.length; i++) Coming to Kalamazoo to attend Kalamazoo College, Larry Bell started homebrewing in the early 1980s and opened a homebrew supply shop in Downtown Kalamazoo in 1983. Bell's Brewery, Inc.[3] is an American craft brewing company,[4] with operations in Comstock and Kalamazoo, Michigan. Womens soccer legend Megan Rapinoe announces she is retiring after this season, the 16th-largest overall brewer in America by sales volume in 2020. The deal KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) Kalamazoo area based Bells Brewery has announced a sales agreement that will see them join forces with New Belgium Brewing in Fort Collins, Colorado. The deal has also cleared antitrust regulatory approval. Bells Brewery is being purchased by an Australian company that bought New Belgium Brewing in 2019. function sanitize_gpt_value2(gptValue) While there are no plans to change operations at Bell's Brewery's500,000-barrel Comstock facility or at its Upper Hand Brewery in Escanaba, Michigan, which just recently began slinging its beer in the Lower Peninsulathe only trajectory for Bell's is upward, Bell said. Fat Tire Amber Ale, the companys flagship beer, is a huge seller. By Monika In 2018, Lion paid $104 million for a majority stake in Bells Brewery, one of the largest and most iconic craft breweries in the United States. Bells Brewery, New Belgium Brewing join forces However, Bell isnt fretting over the brewery losing its craft designation. Why Is Bell's Concealing - "I've had a great career, especially in Michigan. [4] In 2007 the company re-entered the market through new distributors by creating two new beer brands: Kalamazoo Royal Amber Ale and Kalamazoo Hopsoulution. The brewerys taproom is open to the public for tours and tastings. Safety, quality, and human resources have all improved over the years at Bells. The company has won numerous awards, including the coveted Brewer of the Year award from the Great American Beer Festival. Australasian brewer Lion will acquire Michigan, US brewer Bells Brewery: establishing a strong foothold in the worlds largest craft beer market. Bell's Brewery to be sold as founder retires; New Belgium Bells Brewery was founded in Kalamazoo, Michigan, in 1985, as a result of Larry Bells desire for better beer and a 15-gallon soup kettle. In 2012, Lion Capital paid $244 million for a majority stake in Bells Brewery. [13][14] This brewery produces UPA (American pale ale), Upper Hand Light (lager), Yooper Ale (pale ale), Escanaba Black Beer (black ale), Upper Hand IPA (India pale ale), and a variety of seasonal and specialty brews. And last year, I dealt with my old friend cancer again. Bell will stay in Kalamazoo and continue to be involved in the community. Exploring The Nutritional Content Of A Popular Low-Carb Beer, How Long Can Unopened Beer Last? Similar to the companies wholesaler alignment, expanding Bells reach is not an immediate goal. Celebrate St Patricks Day In Orange County With A Pint Of Green Beer! The acquisition of Bells Brewery is part of Lions strategy to expand its footprint in the American craft beer market. In November, the Kalamazoo-based brewery, which is the 16th largest in the country, announced a blockbuster deal worth more than $200 million. King has stated that he has no plans to change the way Bells does business, and that the brewery will remain headquartered in Kalamazoo. Bells ongoing goal is to brew thoughtful, creative, and artistic ales, and strives to make craft beer welcoming and open to all. It is the seventh largest craft brewer in the world. Bells produces nine beers in addition to the Oberon Ale and Two Headed Eagle Pale Ale, which employs nearly 600 people. Bell's Brewery, maker of Two Hearted and Oberon ales, sold to After Larrys retirement and Lions selection of a new leadership team, Bells Brewery is poised for even greater success. First, the folks at New Belgium share our ironclad commitment to the craft of brewing and the community-first way weve built our business, he said. 50). "Iknow how important this brand, this company, (and)Larry's legacy isto the craft beer drinkers of Michigan. First, the folks at New Belgium share our ironclad commitment to the craft of brewing and the community-first way weve built our business. Early on, New Belgium established norms that were and still are rare in the business world: fully paid healthcare premiums for coworkers, paying a living wage, open-book management, renewable energy sourcing, a free onsite medical clinic staffed by a doctor trained in trans medicine, and more practices that, all together, represent a unique human-powered business model that continues to evolve. On the same Twitter account, Bells Brewery has over 1.52 million followers. 147 First Avenue East Bells Brewery is one of the states most well-known and respected craft breweries due to Larrys dedication to his community and his love of brewing. It's also had the flexibility to take care of its employees during the COVID-19 pandemic.. As a result of the acquisition, two of the countrys best craft brewers will come together, with Michigan-based craft brewer Michigan Brewing Company joining New Belgium. This decision ultimately came down to two determining factors. Lion is a leading beverage company headquartered in Sydney, Australia. Its core beer portfolio includes many locally loved brands such as XXXX, Little Creatures, James Squire, Emersons, Speights and Panhead, more recently adding international craft brands Fourpure, Magic Rock and New Belgium to the fold. Kirin Just Bought Bell's Brewery.