I recently observed that it had been several months since the last acquisition of a craft brewery by Corporate Beer, and wondered if the era of crafty beer acquisitions was over.  A day later, AB InBev answered with a resounding “No!” by purchasing Australia’s 4 Pines Beer.

To Australian fans of craft beer, you might want to read up what’s been happening in the US craft beer market over the last five to ten years, since AB InBev seems to be using the exact same playbook in Australia that they used here.  May I suggest that you start with a reminder of why true Craft matters, and also how acquired breweries’ rationalization are largely bullshit.

The 4 Pines press release goes through the usual bunk rationalizations with impressive efficiency (red notes are mine):

Yes. 4 Pines will continue to operate all existing venues.¹
Yes. Everyone keeps their job.
Yes. 4 Pines is now 100% owned by ABI. 
Yes. The Brookvale brewery will be expanding its capacity in the very near future.
Yes. Some people will think our beer tastes different.¤
No. It doesn’t.¹
Yes. We will have access to even more ingredients and better brewing toys.³
Yes. 4 Pines has already started developing plans for national and global expansion.¹
Yes. ABI and 4 Pines fat cats have a squash game and a hot sauna locked in to celebrate³
No. Costs won’t be cut; in fact, we’re looking to invest.¹
Yes. Our commitment and investment to sustainability will grow.¹
Yes. We will join ABI’s global plan to be a 100% Renewable Energy Brewery.¹
Yes. As part of ZX Ventures, we will be part of the global forefront of beer innovation.²
Yes. Our current beers will remain.
Yes. We’re looking to grow Keller Door and Keller Door Barrelled even more.
Yes. The founders and all the key people are hanging around.
Yes. 4 Pines did treat themselves to a case of Crownies to celebrate.³

1. too soon to tell  

2. debatable at best 

3. nice for you, not so much for other Australian craft breweries, who now have to compete with the giant in their backyard

¤ see Goose Island for one of many cautionary tales.  

So Corporate Beer is leaving the US market alone and instead expanding their reach overseas.  I guess that’s better.  Craft on.