UPDATE: Wilding Brands has just announced its acquisition of Boulder’s Upslope Brewing Co., marking a significant expansion in its craft beverage portfolio. The deal, finalized earlier today, will see Upslope’s production operations transitioned to Wilding’s “Canworks” facility in Denver.
Wilding Brands, headquartered in Lafayette, was formed in 2024 through the merger of several notable craft breweries, including Stem Ciders and Denver Beer Co. The company’s CEO, Eric Foster, stated, “Since day one, our goal with Wilding has been to create an incredible family of Colorado craft beverage companies that retain their individuality and the quality beverages and experiences that made them who they are.”
With the addition of Upslope, Wilding Brands now anticipates brewing a staggering 80,000 barrels across its growing portfolio. This positions the company as the second-largest independent craft producer in Colorado, behind Fort Collins-based Odell Brewing Co., which produced over 98,000 barrels last year according to the Brewers Association’s latest report.
Despite the acquisition, Upslope’s two taprooms in Boulder and its outpost in Silverthorne will remain operational and under the management of the previous owner/operator, ensuring continuity for loyal customers. Wilding emphasized that the taprooms are not included in the acquisition deal, highlighting its commitment to maintaining the unique identity of each brand within its umbrella.
This latest move follows Wilding’s recent acquisitions, including Great Divide Brewery in April 2024 and Station 26 Brewing Co. in June 2024, signaling aggressive growth in the competitive craft beverage market.
Industry experts are closely watching how this acquisition will affect the Colorado craft beer landscape as Wilding Brands continues to bolster its presence. The announcement has already sparked discussions among industry insiders and craft beer enthusiasts about the future of independent breweries in the region.
As Wilding Brands embarks on this new chapter, the company aims to blend Upslope’s established reputation with its own innovative approach, promising exciting new offerings for consumers. Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
For those interested in the latest trends in craft beverages, this acquisition underscores the ongoing consolidation within the industry and the strategies companies are employing to thrive in a competitive environment.
