Anheuser-Busch to Buy Blue Point Brewing Company

Anheuser-Busch made the announcement Wednesday that it is slated to purchase the top craft brewery. The company says the move will bring additional resources to Blue Point that will allow it to meet growing consumer demand.

Blue Point Brewing Company will remain in Patchogue, where Mark Burford and Peter Cotter founded it 15 years ago. It is the 34th largest craft brewery in the U.S.

“We are deeply grateful to our family of loyal employees and customers,” Cotter says. “Our success was made possible by the hard work of good people and good beer in Patchogue.”

“Together, our talented brewing team and Anheuser-Busch will have the resources to create new and exciting beers and share our portfolio with even more beer lovers,” Burford adds.

The sale is expected to close in the second quarter of 2014.

According to Anheuser-Busch, Blue Point sold approximately 60,000 barrels in 2013, half of that volume coming from Toasted Lager, its flagship beer. The company has more than 40 beers, including the popular Hoptical Illusion and Blueberry Ale.

“As we welcome Blue Point into the Anheuser-Busch family of brands, we look forward to working with Mark and Peter to accelerate the growth of the Blue Point portfolio and expand to new markets, while preserving the heritage and innovation of the brands,” Anheuser-Busch CEO Luiz Edmond says. “With Anheuser-Busch’s strong beer credentials, we share a commitment to offering high-quality beers that excite consumers. Blue Point brands have a strong following and even more potential.”