AB InBev snaps up Texan brewery

Global brewing giant AB InBev has snapped up a Texan craft brewery for its American craft beer portfolio.

The Houston-based Karbach Brewing Company, which was founded in 2011, confirmed it is partnering with the US arm of the  global brewing giant, Anheuser-Busch, specifically its craft portfolio, The High End.

Announcing the news on its Facebook page, Karbach said it was excited to enter the partnership with the global company.

“We’ve been overwhelmed with brewery and selling quality beer to drinkers across Texas. This partnership will allows us to continue to grow and focus more on brewing new and exciting beers,” it said.

It added that it was still firmly based in its Texas roots and would continue to brew its German-style beers at its brewery on Karbach Street.

However posts left by disgruntled fans on the announcement expressed disappointment that it was “selling out,” to big business.

In a statement, Karbach’s co-founder Chuck Robertson said the company had “maxed out our growth potential on our own,” and the new partnership would allow it to keep innovating and experimenting.

“While we are joining a talented and innovative group of craft breweries in The High End, Karbach will retain a high level of independence, and the existing management and brewing teams will continue to drive culture and strategy, all while having fun building our brands,” he said.

Investment from Anheuser-Busch means the Texan brewery will be able to boost production around 150,000 barrels a year by 2019.

Felipe Szpigel, president of The High End said the brand had built “a unique, thriving brand rooted in the Texas spirit.”

“From the beginning, they have shown creativity and passion with the super beers they brew, and they’ve been able to use their unique offerings to appeal to the laid back lifestyle that resonates with Texans,” he said. “Pair these qualities with dynamic leadership, an amazing brewing team, and a dream to do more, and you have a recipe for a promising future together.”

AB InBev founded The High End portfolio in 2014 to foster the range of smaller craft beer brands which sit alongside Stella Artois and Shock Top. The craft breweries include Goose Island, Blue Point, 10 Barrel, Elysian, Golden Road, Virtue Cider, Four Peaks, Breckenridge Brewery, Devils Backbone and SpikedSeltzer.