In 2017, the Asheville brewer Wicked Weed made headlines when it announced its sale to Anheuser Busch, the brewing giant. This move marked a significant seismic shift in the North Carolina beer industry. Wicked Weed, known for its innovative and high-quality craft beers, had gained a reputation as one of the top breweries in the state and even nationally. The sale to Anheuser Busch, a multinational corporation and one of the largest beer producers in the world, raised eyebrows and sparked debates within the craft beer community.
The decision to sell to Anheuser Busch was met with mixed reactions from beer enthusiasts and industry professionals. On one hand, some people were disappointed and felt that Wicked Weed had “sold out” by aligning itself with a corporate entity. Many craft beer enthusiasts value the independent and local nature of small breweries, and the sale to a global beer conglomerate seemed to contradict these principles. Some feared that the quality and creativity of Wicked Weed's beers would suffer under the ownership of Anheuser Busch.
On the other hand, there were those who saw the sale as a strategic business move for Wicked Weed. The craft beer industry has become increasingly competitive, and breweries face numerous challenges in terms of distribution, marketing, and financial stability. By joining forces with Anheuser Busch, Wicked Weed gained access to the vast resources and distribution networks of a global company. This could potentially help the brewery reach a wider audience and expand its market presence.
The sale of Wicked Weed to Anheuser Busch also highlighted the changing dynamics within the craft beer industry. Over the years, there has been a growing trend of larger breweries acquiring smaller independent ones. This consolidation has sparked debates about the definition of craft beer and the impact of corporate ownership on the industry. Some argue that when small breweries sell to big corporations, they lose the authenticity and unique character that defines craft beer. Others believe that these acquisitions can provide opportunities for growth and stability, as well as access to resources that independent breweries may struggle to attain.
Amidst the backdrop of Wicked Weed's sale, another Asheville brewery, Appalachian Mountain, made a notable decision that went against this trend of brewery acquisitions. In 2019, Appalachian Mountain announced a buyback of its own shares from an investor group that had provided funding for expansion. This move allowed the brewery to regain full control of its operations and maintain its status as an independent craft brewery. Appalachian Mountain's decision to buy back its shares was seen by many as a statement of their commitment to remaining independent and true to their craft.
Wicked Weed, a highly regarded Asheville brewery, sold to Anheuser Busch in 2017, marking a significant shift in the North Carolina beer industry. The sale generated mixed reactions within the craft beer community, with some viewing it as a strategic business move and others criticizing it as a betrayal of craft beer principles. The acquisition highlighted the ongoing debates about corporate ownership in the craft beer industry. In contrast, Appalachian Mountain's buyback of its shares demonstrated a commitment to remaining independent and bucking the trend of brewery acquisitions. These developments reflect the complex and ever-evolving nature of the craft beer industry.