Sapporo-Stone Brewing: Expanding the Legacy of Craft Beer Excellence
The storied halls of San Diego’s craft beer scene are bustling with excitement as Sapporo-Stone Brewing unveils the near completion of the initial phase of its major expansion at the Escondido brewery. This $20 million commitment in Escondido, CA forms part of a robust growth strategy, further complemented by a substantial investment in their Richmond, VA operation, totaling $40 million. Together, these expansions are set to double the brand’s brewing capacity, reaching a mighty target of 700,000 barrels per year thanks to their bi-coastal facilities now actively brewing the iconic Sapporo beers.
While Sapporo U.S.A.’s acquisition of Stone Brewing in 2022 represented a shift from importation to localized brewing, the joint effort under Sapporo-Stone Brewing aims to solidify the Japanese conglomerate as a U.S.-based powerhouse in craft beer production, sales, and marketing. Richmond is poised for an expansion reveal come fall, and by summer’s end, all of Sapporo’s production will have firmly relocated to U.S. grounds, leaving Canada and Asia in the past.
Crafting a Unified Brewing Vision
The synergy between Sapporo and Stone Brewing has fostered a formidable team of nearly 850 employees, with a significant majority stationed in San Diego County. With the expansion, over 125 new positions were opened in the area, alongside an additional 75 roles beyond San Diego. Organizational growth doesn’t stop with new hires; more than 150 team members have climbed the ranks into new, exciting roles since the acquisition, reflecting the dynamic nature of the merger.
Interim CEO Zach Keeling describes the acquisition as resembling a merger, bringing together the best of both worlds. While maintaining their singular brand identities, Sapporo and Stone Brewing are united under the operational banner of Sapporo-Stone, integrating innovation, brewing, sales, and marketing seamlessly.
Expansion and Innovation Across Coasts
Escondido’s brewing landscape is evolving with added tanks and packaging lines enhancing capacity and efficiency. With additional facilities in San Marcos and Downey, CA for support, the infrastructure is primed for accelerated growth. The Pacific edge is well-represented with a multitude of Stone Brewing Tap Rooms and the splendid Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens, delighting visitors with their vibrant beer culture experiences.
On the Eastern seaboard, Richmond, VA plays host to a brewery, a taproom, and off-site warehousing, combining history with the pioneering spirit of craft. This synchronized expansion affirms Sapporo-Stone Brewing as a pivotal player in the craft beer scene, currently ranked 12th by volume nationally and ambitiously eyeing a top 10 spot.
A Unique Position in the Craft and Import Markets
In the ever-evolving world of craft beer, where consumer preferences shift and craft consolidation looms, Sapporo-Stone Brewing stakes a claim to growth through a unique craft-meets-import portfolio. Sapporo, America’s leading Asian beer, posts notable sales growth that outpaces the general import category, with significant traction from its flagship Sapporo Premium. Meanwhile, Stone’s signature brews, including the Stone Delicious IPA family, Stone IPA, and Stone Buenaveza Salt & Lime Lager, enjoy parallel success with a 13.2% sales boost.
During a well-attended open house event on May 21, 2024, Sapporo-Stone Brewing Chairman Hiro Kitaoka heralded Stone Brewing as a beacon of innovation and mastery in craft brewing. Stone’s relentless pursuit of quality and creativity reaffirms San Diego’s status as a craft beer capital, ensuring the continued growth and prominence of both Stone and Sapporo brands.
Carrying Forward a Rich Craft Legacy
Known as a trailblazer in San Diego’s craft beer revolution, Stone Brewing has been instrumental in elevating the city to international craft beer acclaim. Through the founding of the Stone Distributing Company, savvy beer festivals, and pivotal roles in the San Diego Brewers Guild, Stone Brewing has fostered a collaborative culture steeped in the celebration of craft.
From locally brewed innovations to fan-favorite staples like Stone One Batch Dispatch, the brewery invites craft aficionados to explore their offerings at Stone locations nationwide and beyond. As Stone and Sapporo unify their strengths, visitors can now enjoy freshly brewed Sapporo beers at Stone Brewing’s celebrated venues.
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