Artisanal Imports, Exclusive US Importer of Brewery Bosteels Brands Responds To Anheuser-Busch InBev Acquisition

Artisanal Imports, longtime U.S. importer of Bosteels and many other revered Belgian brewers, has released a response to the recent acquisition of Bosteels by AB InBev. For all the details, see the press release below:  

Artisanal Imports, Exclusive US Importer of Brewery Bosteels Brands Responds To Anheuser-Busch InBev Acquisition

Austin, TX (September 15, 2016) – Brewery Bosteels announced its acquisition by AB InBev on September 8, and that Antoine Bosteels, 7th -generation company head would remain at the helm. Rumors about the company’s U.S. sales and distribution network have begun, specifically concerning the continued role of Artisanal Imports as its exclusive U.S. importer.

Artisanal CEO Robert Leggett was recently contacted by Mr. Bosteels to offer some clarification about the future of the U.S. business. “The good news is that Mr. Bosteels has told us that it’s ‘business as usual’ through the end of 2017,” Mr. Leggett said. “He communicated to AB InBev the value of our 20-year partnership and the critical role we play in sales growth of the Bosteels brands in the U.S. market.” “We want our distributors to know that we anticipate no changes through 2017 and possibly beyond,” said Artisanal President Sean Knoll. “As always we are in continual communication with Bosteels – developing strategic growth plans and working with each of our distributors on moving forward.”

Some retailers, who are wary of supporting what they see as Big Beer, have expressed intentions of pulling Tripel Karmeliet and Kwak off their menus. Mr. Knoll is quick to support their right to do so, but adds, “The integrity of Bosteels as a traditional Belgian family brewery and the quality of its beer remains unchanged despite the new parent company. We want retailers and customers to continue to choose quality Belgian craft beer and support Bosteels and the Artisanal family of brands and distributors.”

“It’s humbling to see the outpouring of support from our long-time distribution and retail partners,” Mr. Knoll said. “Our relationships go beyond quality beer and brands – they represent true partnership. We have had an intimate relationship with Bosteels for nearly 20 years and consider them family. We’re proud of the work we have done to introduce Belgian brewing tradition to the American people and we remain optimistic about our continued relationship with Bosteels.”

For more information, please contact Lanny Hoff at +1 (612) 245-5433 or [email protected].

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About Artisanal Imports: Artisanal Imports, Inc. is a leading importer of international craft beers and ciders with a concentration in European brewers. The company was formed in 2001 by Lanny Hoff and Bob Leggett, two veterans in the specialty importing business. Learn more about Artisanal Imports and its portfolio of breweries and cideries at www.ArtisanalImports.com.

Brewery Bosteels: Bosteels stands in the small village of Buggenhout, Belgium and is the producer of the popular brands Tripel Karmeliet, Kwak and DeuS. Learn more about the Belgian family brewer at www.bestbelgianspecialbeers.be/en.