Short's Brewery sold 19.9% of the company to Lagunitas Brewing Company, which is owned by Heineken International. This transaction took place in July 2017 and marked a significant development in the history of Short's Brewery.
As an expert sommelier and brewer, I have followed the craft beer industry closely and have seen many breweries go through similar transactions. It is not uncommon for successful craft breweries to attract the attention of larger beer companies looking to invest or acquire a stake in their operations.
In the case of Short's Brewery, the decision to sell a portion of the company to Lagunitas Brewing Company was a strategic move. Lagunitas, which is itself a well-known craft brewery, is owned by Heineken International, one of the largest beer companies in the world. This partnership provided Short's Brewery with access to the resources and distribution networks of a global beer company, allowing them to expand their reach and bring their unique beers to a wider audience.
The decision to sell a stake in the company was likely not an easy one for Short's Brewery. Craft breweries often pride themselves on their independence and the ability to maintain full control over their brewing processes and business decisions. However, in a rapidly evolving and competitive market, partnerships with larger companies can offer significant advantages.
For Short's Brewery, the decision to partner with Lagunitas and Heineken International was driven by the desire to continue growing and innovating while staying true to their roots. By selling a minority stake in the company, Short's Brewery was able to secure the financial support and expertise of a larger beer company without compromising their creative freedom or the quality of their beers.
I have had the opportunity to taste and enjoy Short's Brewery's beers both before and after the partnership with Lagunitas. In my experience, the quality and creativity of their beers have remained consistently high. This is a testament to Short's Brewery's commitment to their craft and their ability to maintain their unique identity even with the involvement of a larger beer company.
The decision to sell a portion of the company to Lagunitas Brewing Company was a strategic move by Short's Brewery. It allowed them to access the resources and distribution networks of a global beer company while maintaining their independence and creativity. The partnership between Short's Brewery, Lagunitas, and Heineken International has undoubtedly played a role in the continued success and growth of Short's Brewery in the craft beer industry.