Asahi to Begin Brewing Beer in U.S. Through Acquisition of WI-Based Octopi Brewing

North American production will allow Asahi to grow sales in North America while reducing distribution-related emissions

PRAGUE and WAUNAKEE, Wis., Jan. 5, 2024 /CNW/ -- Asahi Europe & International (AEI), the international branch of Asahi Group Holdings, today announced the acquisition of Octopi Brewing, a leading contract beverage production and co-packing facility located in Waunakee, Wis. The investment represents a significant step forward in accelerating Asahi's growth journey along with its global ambitions for Asahi Super Dry, Japan's most popular beer, which will now be brewed in the U.S. for the first time.  The addition of a North American production facility will allow Asahi to grow sales in the U.S. and Canada, as well as offer significant sustainability benefits, including reducing emissions and supporting Asahi's ambition to become carbon neutral across its wider supply chain by 2050. "Local production in North America has been an ambition of ours for some time because of the benefits it will bring," said Paolo Lanzarotti, CEO, Asahi Europe & International. "With complementary strengths and a shared growth mindset, Asahi and Octopi maintain a commitment to creating meaningful connections with our partners, the communities in which we operate and the planet." Octopi Brewing's modern production facility was built from the ground up in 2014 to make a wide range of beverages, including beer and ready to drink products, using state-of-the-art packaging lines that can accommodate multiple styles and sizes of bottles and cans for maximum flexibility. Victoria Segebarth, Managing Director, EMEA & Americas at Asahi Europe & International said, "By making this investment we are taking a major step forward in accelerating the growth journey of our global brands, expanding awareness, reach and access across North America through existing and new on and off trade partners" Over the coming year, Octopi will be integrated into AEI's U.S. subsidiary, Asahi Beer USA, and will begin production of key global brands Asahi Super Dry and Kozel for the North American marketplace along with a wider portfolio of brands for distribution and sale in Canada. Octopi will continue its co-packing operations and its existing leadership team will remain in place under Isaac Showaki, President, Octopi Brewing Asahi will also invest additional capital to help meet the technical standards required to produce Asahi Super Dry, under the supervision of Japanese brew masters in the U.S. following the same exacting standards, recipe and brewing process used in Asahi's existing breweries. First introduced in 1987, Asahi Super Dry is Japan's #1 bestselling beer and has become a global icon of modern Japan. Brewed to authentic Japanese standards using only the finest ingredients and latest technology, Asahi Super Dry delivers a crisp, clean and quick finish that never lingers. Asahi Group Holdings, Ltd., is a global food and beverage production leader headquartered in Tokyo with a diverse portfolio of brands, including premium beers such as Asahi Super Dry, Peroni Nastro Azzurro, Kozel, Pilsner Urquell, and Grolsch. About Asahi Europe & International Asahi Europe & International is the international branch of Asahi Group Holdings, a global beverage and food company listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, Japan. It is the outcome of years of acquisitions, which allowed Asahi Group Holdings, a traditional Japanese producer of beer, whiskey and a wide range of food products, to establish and strengthen its business in Europe and around the globe. As of 2020, the business is established under the Asahi Europe & International organization. Building on centuries of European brewing heritage, the business runs 19 production facilities in 8 countries across Europe, and is the custodian of some of the best beer brands in the world, including Asahi Super Dry, Pilsner Urquell, Peroni Nastro Azzurro, Grolsch and Kozel. Within the Asahi Group, the remit of Asahi Europe and International is also to develop and manage all export markets globally, outside of Japan and Oceania. Covering 90 markets and with over 10,000 passionate colleagues on board, through our shared purpose of creating meaningful connections, the business is well positioned to inspire people around the world to drink better. About Asahi Super Dry Asahi Super Dry was first created in 1987, redefining the beer category and introducing to the world a new taste in beer. Today, Asahi Super Dry is Japan's No.1 beer and we are proud that our innovative brand has become a global icon of progressive Japan. Asahi Super Dry is brewed with precision to the highest quality standards, under the supervision of Japanese master brewers. Our advanced brewing techniques deliver a dry, crisp taste and quick, clean finish. We're constantly innovating at our brewery to improve production technology and quality management. This commitment to progressive brewing will help us share Asahi Super Dry with the whole world. For more information, please visit: asahisuperdry.com. About Octopi Brewing Octopi Brewing is the premier contract beverage facility in the Midwest. Built to cater specifically to the needs of modern beverage clients, it is the fastest growing production brewery in the Midwest and the fourth largest production brewery in Wisconsin. Octopi Brewing sends products to 45 states and five countries in Europe. Asahi to Begin Brewing Beer in U.S. Through Acquisition of WI-Based Octopi Brewing. North American production will allow Asahi to grow sales in North America while reducing distribution-related emissions. The investment represents a significant step forward in accelerating Asahi’s growth journey along with its global ambitions for Asahi Super Dry, Japan’s most popular beer, which will now be brewed in the U.S. for the first time. Asahi to Begin Brewing Beer in U.S. Through Acquisition of WI-Based Octopi Brewing. North American production will allow Asahi to grow sales in North America while reducing distribution-related emissions. The investment represents a significant step forward in accelerating Asahi’s growth journey along with its global ambitions for Asahi Super Dry, Japan’s most popular beer, which will now be brewed in the U.S. for the first time.

MadTree Serves Up Something New in Oakley

The brewery is revitalizing its food offerings and kitchen previously occupied by Catch-A-Fire Pizza.

CINCINNATI (January 2, 2024) – MadTree Brewing is branching out again, this time within its flagship location in Oakley! They are excited to announce that they will be renovating and taking over operations of the Taproom kitchen, previously occupied by Catch-A-Fire Pizza, beginning January 1, 2024. 

 

Pizza will remain the mainstay of the kitchen, however, the team is excited to expand the menu to include a variety of sandwiches, appetizers, kid’s choices, and seasonal offerings. Advances to technology and built in efficiency within the kitchen will create a seamless consumer experience.  Construction will commence in January, and the kitchen will open in early spring of 2024. 

 

Customers will still have full-service food options via rotating food trucks while the kitchen remodel occurs, including award-winners Red Sesame and Sweets & Meats. Service will be available Monday to Sunday during normal Taproom operating hours.

 

MadTree is committed to creating an inviting space for those special moments with friends and family.  To enhance your experience, they are introducing new technology to enable mobile ordering from anywhere within the space.  They will also be streamlining their to-go ordering process.  As Kenny McNutt, MadTree co-founder, emphasizes, "Our focus is on providing a warm and welcoming customer experience, making your time here as enjoyable and effortless as possible." 

 

With this change and growth, also comes the opportunity to build more inclusivity into the space.

Countertops will be lowered at both point-of-sale counter and pick-up window, making both areas accessible to anyone. Along with the change in infrastructure, MadTree will provide accessibility training for all front-line staff. “This is just the beginning! We are only getting started in the inclusion space for individuals with developmental disabilities. This is just a first step for us.” said Rhiannon Hoeweler,V.P. Experience & Impact.

 

Look for MadTree’s new menu and kitchen reopening celebration this spring!

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About MadTree Brewing Company

Founded in 2013, MadTree is an award-winning brewery that’s rooted in Cincinnati and planted in purpose. Driven to craft great beer - but more importantly - to build a business dedicated to doing good, MadTree protects and celebrates nature while reducing impact on the environment. MadTree is a B Corp certified company and proud member of 1% for the Planet with a commitment to donate 1% of sales to local, sustainable nonprofits. MadTree strives to create warm and welcoming experiences, exceed expectations, and most importantly, plant a better community. They put purpose in every pour,and raise a glass to doing things differently. Cheers.

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Loeb Equipment to Auction Metropolitan Brewing's Assets

Late model, high-quality brewery equipment used by a legendary Chicago brewer to be auctioned in January 2024

CHICAGO, Dec. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Loeb Equipment, a leader in the global equipment and auction space, operating since 1880, will be conducting the auction of Metropolitan Brewing in mid-January 2024. The bankruptcy court has entrusted Loeb with the sale of assets from Metropolitan, an industry staple in German Lager brewing for the last fifteen years. Metropolitan Brewing, a company founded by husband-and-wife team Doug and Tracy Hurst and located at 3057 N. Rockwell Street in Chicago, has filed for bankruptcy protection, and will be closing after fifteen years of business. Metropolitan specialized and only brewed lagers in typical German fashion. "Loeb is proud to offer its expertise in helping a legendary Chicago brewery navigate its bankruptcy and monetize its assets," said Howard Newman, President of Loeb. "Loeb has deep experience in the auction and liquidation of brewery equipment, and we will use this expertise to conduct an auction fit for the legend that Metropolitan has been over the years." The existing equipment at Metropolitan's infamous 20,000-square-foot location overlooking the Chicago River is of outstanding quality and condition and made by well-respected OEMs. Most units were manufactured between 2015 and the present and will be highly sought after when released to the marketplace. For more information about the auction, visit Loeb's website or call 773-548-4131. You can also register for the auction directly here. About Loeb: Since 1880, Loeb has been helping manufacturers and financial institutions leverage their industrial assets by managing the equipment lifecycle. Loeb monetizes industrial assets through acquisitions, sales, valuations, and financing. Visit us at https://www.loebequipment.com.

BY 99%, TEAMSTERS AUTHORIZE STRIKE AT ANHEUSER-BUSCH

5,000 Teamsters Prepared to Strike if Beer Giant Fails to Reach Agreement

WASHINGTON, Dec. 16, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Teamsters working nationwide at Anheuser-Busch have voted by an overwhelming 99 percent to authorize a strike. The resounding vote allows the Teamsters National Negotiating Committee to call a strike if Anheuser-Busch fails to come to terms on a strong new contract. The union is seeking an agreement that improves wages, protects jobs, and secures health care and retirement benefits for 5,000 Teamsters across the company's 12 U.S. breweries. The current agreement expires Feb. 29, 2024. "Teamsters stand firm in our fight for the best contract at Anheuser-Busch, and this powerful strike vote proves it. Our members' labor, talent, and sacrifice are what put Anheuser-Busch products on the shelf, and we are committed to getting a contract that rewards and recognizes their hard work," said Teamsters General President Sean M. O'Brien. "If Anheuser-Busch's executives can't get their act together to negotiate an agreement that respects workers, we will see them out on the streets." Under pressure from the Teamsters, the company reached tentative agreements to end tiered health care and restore retiree health benefits last month. However, Anheuser-Busch has delayed negotiating on important job security issues since mid-November, despite repeated requests by the union. The global beermaker pulled in $58 billion in 2022. The company also recently announced $1 billion in stock buybacks to wealthy investors as it simultaneously ignores the need to protect good jobs. "Anheuser-Busch can't kick this can down the road much longer. The Teamsters don't want to be forced onto the picket line at any employer, but we are fully prepared to walk if Anheuser-Busch doesn't get serious about negotiating a record contract that also protects good union jobs," said Jeff Padellaro, Director of the Teamsters Brewery, Bakery, and Soft Drink Conference. "It is the workers — the dedicated and tireless members of the Teamsters — who make this company a success and who have earned to share in that success."  There are no dates currently set for negotiations. Anheuser-Busch Teamsters recently rallied in New Hampshire, California, and Florida. More actions will take place soon across the country. "If this company wasn't willing to come to a fair agreement with the Teamsters, we would strike. My Teamster brothers and sisters have a lot of fight in us and, by all means, we will stand united," said Josh Blanton, an Anheuser-Bush worker with Teamsters Local 947 in Jacksonville, Florida. Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.3 million hardworking people in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. Visit Teamster.org for more information. Follow us on Twitter @Teamsters and "like" us on Facebook at Facebook.com/teamsters.