Anheuser Busch InBev’s surprising acquisition of Four Peaks Brewing has put the Arizona Craft Brewers Guild in an uncomfortable position.
The guild – which represents more than 75 craft breweries in the state, including Four Peaks – has been sounding the alarm all year in the wake of the beer giant’s gobbling up of Elysian, Golden Road, 10 Barrel, and other craft breweries.
Earlier: Anheuser-Busch announces deal to acquire Four Peaks
Shortly after AB InBev’s latest purchase was announced Friday, the guild issued its own media release:
Many of our members are personally happy for the owners and employees of Four Peaks Brewing Company. Consolidation, however, represents a threat to local breweries because it affects our ability to gain access to markets, raw ingredients and resources. The Arizona Craft Brewers Guild is assessing how this acquisition will affect the industry and our local breweries.
Therein lies the rub. It’s impossible to argue any entity has done more to build the current Arizona craft beer scene than the 19-year-old Tempe brewery.
Now, suddenly, they’re seemingly in a position to threaten the continued growth and success of that scene.
‘‘The issue of consolidation is now front and center for all of us,‘‘ guild director Rob Fullmer (pictured) says. ‘‘We may have to seek legislative reforms in coming years. There’s just not enough distributors to handle the growth in the state.’’
As for Four Peaks’ immediate status in the guild, Fuller is taking a practical approach.
‘‘The long and the short of it is we’ll have a relationship with them,’’ he says. ‘‘They will have Arizona Beer Week events and will be at the Arizona Strong Beer Festival (both in February).’’
In at least one way, Fullmer says AB InBev’s targeting of Four Peaks is a boon for the brewers guild and the state in general.
‘‘We all have a small part to play in their success,’’ he says. ‘‘For people who think Arizona doesn’t have a successful craft beer scene, this shows them we do.’’
