Tilray acquires Hop Valley Brewing, Terrapin, Atwater, and Revolver Brewing
Tilray Brands, Inc., the Canada founded cannabis company that has moved into the craft beer and global lifestyle consumer packaged goods sector, has purchased four more craft breweries away from corporate mega brewer Molson Coors Beverage Company (“Molson Coors”). Tilray has acquired Eugene, Oregon’s Hop Valley Brewing Company, Terrapin Beer Co., Revolver Brewing, and Atwater Brewery. The purchase allows these breweries to qualify again as a independent craft breweries according to the Brewers Association guidelines, and allows brands like Hop Valley Brewing to once again enter organizations like the Oregon Brewers Guild.
This is huge for Oregon craft beer, as Tilray purchased 10 Barrel Brewing and Widmer Brothers Brewing in 2023. With the addition of Hop Valley Brewing under the same parent company, all of Oregon’s largest breweries are considered “craft beer” once again.
Tilray is now the largest craft brewer in the pacific northwest, and with the new acquisitionsTilray’s portfolio will expand across key beer markets adding 30% new beer buying accounts. The Tilray Beverages portfolio boasts a range of leading craft beer, spirits and non-alcohol beverages including SweetWater Brewing Company, Montauk Brewing Company, Alpine Beer Company, Green Flash Brewing Company, Shock Top, Breckenridge Brewery, Breckenridge Distillery, Blue Point Brewing Company, 10 Barrel Brewing Company, Redhook Brewing Company, Widmer Brothers Brewing, Square Mile Cider Company, HiBall Energy, and Happy Flower CBD sparkling cocktails. This strategic acquisition is expected to position Tilray for continued growth and expansion in the beverage industry.
Tilray newly acquired brands from Molson-Coors:
Hop Valley Brewing Company is a craft brewery based in Eugene, Oregon, that was founded in 2009. They are known for crafting beers that reflect the flavors and spirit of the Pacific Northwest, Hop Valley includes one brewery and two taprooms. The brand is currently sold in 12 states with core markets including Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Arizona, Northern California, Nevada, Wisconsin and Minnesota and it has c. 43,000 points of distribution.
Terrapin Beer Company is a craft brewery based in Athens, Georgia. Founded in 2002, Terrapin is committed to brewing unique, flavorful beers that push the boundaries of traditional brewing techniques. With a passion for experimentation, Terrapin has become one of the most respected and sought-after breweries in the region. Terrapin includes one brewery and one taproom and is currently sold in 13 states with c. 47,000 points of distribution. Core markets for Terrapin include Georgia, Florida, Wisconsin, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Alabama.
Revolver Brewing is a craft brewery in Granbury, Texas. Established in 2012, Revolver is committed to producing high-quality, handcrafted beers using traditional brewing techniques and innovative brewing methods. From their flagship Blood & Honey American Ale to their seasonal offerings, Revolver's beers are known for their bold flavors and unique character. Revolver Brewing includes one brewery and one taproom and c. 12,000 points of distribution across Texas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana.
Atwater Brewery is a craft brewery based in Detroit, Michigan. Founded in 1997, Atwater is dedicated to brewing high-quality, handcrafted beers using traditional brewing techniques and innovative brewing methods. From their flagship Dirty Blonde Ale to their seasonal offerings, Atwater's beers are known for their bold flavors and unique character. Atwater includes one brewery and three taprooms. The brand is sold in c. 10,000 points of distribution across six states including Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky.
Irwin D. Simon, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Tilray Brands, said, “Tilray Brands is proud to be driving the most compelling and unique growth story in the craft beer industry. With the acquisition of these four craft breweries from Molson Coors, we are marking another strategic milestone in Tilray Brands’ growth plan. Our team’s expertise in operational excellence will enable us to unlock the full potential of these brands and businesses. We are confident in our ability to drive revenue, generate cost synergies, and expand national distribution reinforcing our leadership position in craft beer resulting in tremendous growth opportunities for our global beverage business.”
Mr. Simon added, "Tilray Brands plans to continue to invest in the future of these craft breweries, accelerating their growth and capturing a wide range of new market opportunities. Tilray Brands is a beacon for craft brands, and we are committed to driving their growth and success within our portfolio. Our proven track record of integrating acquisitions and driving profitable growth gives us the confidence to deliver incredible value for our shareholders."
Molson Coors Chief Commercial Officer Michelle St. Jacques added how the transaction supports their long-term strategic ambitions, as well. “Last fall we set a clear portfolio premiumization ambition, and achieving it is going to require tighter focus on the segments we believe have the highest growth potential for our business,” St. Jacques said. “While we love these craft breweries and the people behind them, this move allows us to do exactly that – focus our time, energy and resources behind the initiatives we believe will best help us meaningfully grow our U.S. above premium portfolio in beer and beyond beer.”
Ty Gilmore, President, Tilray Beverages, North America, stated, "We are excited to welcome the employees and distributors behind these craft beer brands which will play a pivotal role in the growth of Tilray Beverages. Through this acquisition, our beer business is expected to grow to 15 million cases annually, cementing Tilray Beverages as the #1 craft brewer in the Pacific Northwest, #1 in Georgia and anchors Tilray’s craft brands in two key beer states, Texas and Michigan. As we move forward, we will leverage our extensive expertise in product innovation and distribution to unlock the full potential of these brands, strengthen their sales and operations, and expand their reach into key markets across the U.S."
About Tilray Brands
Tilray Brands, Inc. (“Tilray”) (Nasdaq: TLRY; TSX: TLRY), is a leading global lifestyle and consumer packaged goods company with operations in Canada, the United States, Europe, Australia, and Latin America that is leading as a transformative force at the nexus of cannabis, beverage, wellness, and entertainment, elevating lives through moments of connection. Tilray’s mission is to be a leading premium lifestyle company with a house of brands and innovative products that inspire joy, wellness and create memorable experiences. Tilray’s unprecedented platform supports over 40 brands in over 20 countries, including comprehensive cannabis offerings, hemp-based foods, and craft beverages.
For more information on how we are elevating lives through moments of connection, visit Tilray.com and follow @Tilray on all social platforms.