Spirit Cruises January 2023 Leaderboard

AB-InBev Looks to the North for Its Latest Acquisition

Oh, Canada.
by Alexander Frane on Oct 13, 2015 in Beer

Labatt Breweries, the Canadian subsidiary of the global beverage company Anheuser Busch-InBev, has purchased the Mill Street Brewery, a craft brewery located in Toronto.

AB-InBev is the largest brewer in the world with a 25% share of the global market. The purchase of the smaller Mill Street Brewery is just the latest in a series of recent acquisitions. The company purchased Elysian Brewery in Seattle, WA, at the beginning of 2015 in a move that saw considerable criticism and led to the resignation of founder Dick Cantwell only three months later. Cantwell had been with the company for twenty years before resigning. A few months earlier, in November 2014, the sale of Bend, Oregon’s 10 Barrel to AB-InBev received similar sentiments.

Now, InBev, through its subsidiary Labatt, has turned its sights on Canada, purchasing Mill Street Brewery. Mill Street was founded in 2002 and brews the largest amount of organic beers in Canada, including their flagship beer, the Original Organic Lager, among 70 other styles of beers. Labatt plans on investing $10 million in Mill Street in order to increase production and distribution. “Our partnership and investment will accelerate its growth in one of the most dynamic beer segments, while fully preserving Mill Street’s creative character and pioneering spirit,” Labatt president Jan Craps said in a statement.

Craps’ statement echoes the proposed intentions of AB-InBev’s acquisitions--the goal, they say, is to maintain the quality of the smaller breweries while helping them with production and distribution. Critics, however, warn that the consolidation of once independent breweries under the ownership of a single entity will stifle the very creativity that defines the craft brew scene. Still, for every brewery that is bought up by a larger organization, many more spring up. 

Photo via Mill Street Brewery


Tags: Beer
Recent Articles
spacer

Feedback

How are we doing? Tell us what you like or don't like and how we can improve. We would love to hear your thoughts!

*Name:
*E-mail:
*Suggestions:
 
2025 Is a Breakout Year for Philadelphia's Bar Scene - Here's Why

2025 Is a Breakout Year for Philadelphia's Bar Scene - Here's Why

Philadelphia's thriving beverage industry is being lauded with several accolades...read more ›

by Alisha Miranda Apr 6, 2025
Secret Garden Pop-Up Speakeasy Launches at Philadelphia Distilling

Secret Garden Pop-Up Speakeasy Launches at Philadelphia Distilling

Celebrate spring in style this April with Philadelphia Distilling at Botanicals in Bloom - a secret garden spe...read more ›

by Michelle Cryder Apr 2, 2025
The Drink Nation Presents: The Home Bar Project

The Drink Nation Presents: The Home Bar Project

Have you ever dreamed of having an amazing home bar, filled with bottles you actually use and the tools you need to execute a fine crafted cocktail? E...read more ›

by The Drink Nation Nov 14, 2014
SPONSORED
Spirit Cruises January 2023 Desktop Bottom Rectangle 1
Emmett: Inside Look at the Cozy Grandma's House Inspired Cocktail Menu

Emmett: Inside Look at the Cozy "Grandma's House" Inspired Cocktail Menu

From Executive Chef Evan Snyder and partner Julian van der Tak comes Emmett, a Levantine-Mediterranian bar and...read more ›

by Michelle Cryder Mar 25, 2025
Local Winery Spotlight: Vox Vineti Wines

Local Winery Spotlight: Vox Vineti Wines

Ed Lazzerini says his goal is clear - to make world class wine in Pennsylvania. From the taste of it, he is well on his way. ...read more ›

by Drink Philly Nov 21, 2020
Philly's Best Happy Hours: Almyra's $7 Cocktails, $8 Tuna Crispy Rice, & $8 Flaming Cheese, 7 Days a Week

Philly's Best Happy Hours: Almyra's $7 Cocktails, $8 Tuna Crispy Rice, & $8 Flaming Cheese, 7 Days a Week

This week's installment is all about Almyra, a modern Greek restaurant and bar in Rittenhouse Square that tran...read more ›

by Michelle Cryder Mar 18, 2025
Canada's Next Level Response to Tariffs Removes All U.S. Wine & Spirits From the Shelves

Canada's Next Level Response to Tariffs Removes All U.S. Wine & Spirits From the Shelves

Part of Canada's response, their retaliation, to the tariffs imposed on Canadian goods coming into the U.S. ha...read more ›

by Lew Bryson Mar 17, 2025
Philadelphia Craft Ice Co: Inside Look at the Ice Elevating Philly's Cocktail Scene

Philadelphia Craft Ice Co: Inside Look at the Ice Elevating Philly's Cocktail Scene

Philadelphia Craft Ice is the first artisanal ice company in Philly focused on elevating the quality of cockta...read more ›

by Drink Philly Mar 9, 2025
Franklin Mortgage Launches Pop-up Flower Shop & Speakeasy for Flower Show, March 2-8

Franklin Mortgage Launches Pop-up Flower Shop & Speakeasy for Flower Show, March 2-8

The Franklin Mortgage in Rittenhouse is transforming their entire space into a pop-up flower shop featuring a ...read more ›

by Drink Philly Feb 25, 2025
The 12th Annual Philly Bierfest Celebrates the Rich History of Brewing German-Style Beers in Pennsylvania, February 22

The 12th Annual Philly Bierfest Celebrates the Rich History of Brewing German-Style Beers in Pennsylvania, February 22

The German Society of Philadelphia's 12 Annual Bierfest returns February 22 with a selection of over 50 German...read more ›

by Michelle Cryder Feb 18, 2025
SPONSORED
Drink Nation Home Bar Project Bottom Rectangle 2
View all Articles

Sign up to get weekly drinking news, bar reviews, events and more sent directly to your inbox!

Close