The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Cannabis firm to acquire SweetWater Brewing
Atlanta-based SweetWater Brewing Co., one of the largest independent craft breweries in the U.S., is set to be acquired in a $300 million deal by Canadian cannabis company Aphria by the end of the year.
The brewery’s portfolio of beers, including its 420 Strain G13 IPA made with hemp flavors, “closely aligns with a cannabis lifestyle,” according to a news release, as well as its branding with events such as the annual SweetWater 420 Fest. In addition to beers, SweetWater has ventured into the hard seltzer market, with products infused with plantbased, fruit-forward terpenes.
Aphria CEO Irwin D. Simon said the acquisition will allow the company to “build brand awareness for our adult-use cannabis brands” ahead of “potential future state or federal cannabis legalization.” The agreement will allow Aphria to use SweetWater’s U.S. infrastructure to build awareness for its brands.
Founded in 1997 by Freddy Bensch, SweetWater distributes across 27 states and Washington, D.C.
“We are excited by the opportunity to join a leading global cannabis company and build a successful future based on the strengths we both bring to this combination,” Bensch said in a prepared statement.
As part of the agreement, Bensch will remain SweetWater’s CEO and will operate in a consulting capacity through 2023.
SweetWater’s primary 158,000-square-foot brewing facility, which also includes a taproom with a restaurant and tasting room as well as a live music venue, is at 195 Ottley Drive in Atlanta. The facility bottling and canning lines are capable of packaging 23.5 million gallons of bottles and 1.5 million kegs annually. The property also includes Woodlands, a barrel-aging and sour beer facility that opened in 2016.
Headquartered in Leamington, Ontario, Aphria Inc. produces adult-use cannabis brands such as Broken Coast, Good Supply, Riff and Solei.