There are breweries that are publicly traded. The Boston Beer Company, which produces popular craft beer brands like Samuel Adams, is a notable example. The company is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol SAM. It was founded in 1984 and has grown to become one of the largest craft breweries in the United States.
While Boston Beer Company is often still considered a craft brewery, it is important to note that the definition of a craft brewery can vary. The Brewers Association, a trade group representing small and independent breweries, defines a craft brewery as one that produces less than 6 million barrels of beer per year and is less than 25% owned or controlled by a non-craft brewer.
In addition to Boston Beer Company, there are other craft beer producers that have been acquired by publicly traded companies. Anheuser-Busch InBev, one of the largest beer companies in the world, has acquired numerous craft breweries over the years. They own approximately 100 craft breweries, including well-known names like Goose Island, Elysian Brewing, and Wicked Weed Brewing.
These acquisitions have sparked debates within the craft beer community about the definition of craft beer and the influence of big beer companies on the industry. Some craft beer enthusiasts argue that when a craft brewery is acquired by a larger corporation, it may lose its independent and innovative spirit that defines the craft beer movement.
It is worth mentioning that not all breweries, especially smaller ones, choose to go public. Many craft breweries prefer to remain privately owned, as it allows them to maintain their creative freedom and control over their operations. Being a publicly traded company comes with additional regulatory requirements and reporting obligations, which may not be suitable for all breweries.
While there are breweries that are publicly traded, the craft beer industry is diverse, and not all breweries choose to go public. The Boston Beer Company, with its flagship brand Samuel Adams, is a prominent example of a publicly traded craft brewery. Additionally, the acquisition of craft breweries by larger, publicly traded companies like Anheuser-Busch InBev has also shaped the industry.