M&A

There is one fewer hard seltzer SKU for distributors and retailers to carry.  Molson Coors showed courage and swift action in responding to data in the young history of hard seltzer, and has eliminated Coors Seltzer from the lineup. The brand extension positioning was problematic.

Ohza, a line of ready-to-drink (RTD) sparkling wine cocktails based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, has secured $4 million in additional funding.

Anheuser-Busch (NYSE: BUD) is releasing Bud Light Seltzer Frozen Icicles to retailers in the coming weeks, just in time for hot summer days at the pools, beaches, and lakes.

Canteen Spirits will receive investments and a distribution agreement from beverage alcohol giant Anheuser-Busch (NYSE: BUD). The Austin-based spirits company produces Canteen Vodka Soda ready-to-drink (RTD) canned cocktails. The investment indicates the US consumer's appetite for more varieties of canned cocktails.

Diageo has acquired operations of Loyal 9 Cocktails, a two-year-young ready-to-drink (RTD) canned cocktail maker based in Rhode Island.

Acquiring a successful start-up brand is a good way to quickly garner market share while establishing legitimacy in a new segment. 

Diageo, one of the largest producers of spirits and beers in the world, announced on Monday that they have acquired Far West Spirits LLC.

Ardagh Group (NYSE: ARD), which supplies aluminum cans for Mark Anthony Group in the packaging of White Claw, today announced a merger with The Gores Group in a deal valued at approximately $8.5 billion.

Hard Seltzer News interviewed Josh Landan, CEO at Ashland Hard Seltzer, last August, at a time when his brand was still adding California cities to distribution. He spoke to the power of collaboration with friends and contacts in order to successfully grow a brand.

San Diego-based Ashland Hard Seltzer will soon be sold to Anheuser-Busch (NYSE: BUD). Hard Seltzer News published a feature on Ashland its early days of growth. CEO Josh Landan in a podcast spoke of his brand's identity and power of the Rolodex.