Kona Big Wave is a beer brand that was originally founded in Hawaii and has recently undergone a brand refresh. The brand was acquired by Anheuser-Busch (AB) InBev in 2020, which now owns and operates the Kona Big Wave brand.
As an expert sommelier and brewer, I have followed the beer industry closely and have seen many brands change ownership over the years. It is not uncommon for smaller, independent breweries to be acquired by larger companies like AB InBev. These acquisitions often provide the financial resources and distribution networks needed to expand the brand's reach and grow its market share.
In the case of Kona Big Wave, the acquisition by AB InBev brings the brand under the umbrella of one of the largest beer companies in the world. AB InBev has a portfolio of well-known beer brands, including Budweiser, Stella Artois, and Corona. This acquisition allows Kona Big Wave to benefit from the global reach and resources of AB InBev, which can help the brand expand its distribution and reach new customers.
However, it is worth noting that acquisitions like this can sometimes be controversial within the craft beer community. Some beer enthusiasts prefer to support independent, locally-owned breweries and may view acquisitions by larger companies as a loss of authenticity or a dilution of the brand's identity. It's important for the new owners to navigate this delicate balance and maintain the quality and integrity of the brand that made it popular in the first place.
The acquisition of Kona Big Wave by AB InBev provides the brand with new opportunities for growth and expansion. It will be interesting to see how the brand evolves under its new ownership and what changes, if any, are made to the beer itself. As a consumer and beer enthusiast, I always appreciate when a brand maintains its quality and commitment to its roots, even as it grows and reaches a wider audience.