AB InBev the loser of the new cannabis merger?I would say so, but you know how the big guys like to take out the craft breweries, a market that they said was short term/a phase/trend and will go away, nothing to worry about lol.
Tilray and AB InBev announced two years ago to establish a research partnership focused on non-alcohol THC and CBD beverages. The partnership between Tilray’s Canadian adult-use cannabis subsidiary High Park Company and AB InBev’s subsidiary Labatt Breweries of Canada is geographically limited to Canada. Decisions regarding the commercialization of the beverages would be made in the future, the companies said at that time. (inside.beer, 21.12.2018)
Tilray’s new partner Aphria, on the other hand has already made the first steps into the production of cannabis infused beverages. Last month, Aphria announced to acquire SweetWater Brewing Company, one of the top fifteen craft breweries in the USA. (inside.beer, 4.11.2020)
The combined company of Tilray and Aphria said in today’s press statement that “it will be well-positioned to pursue an accelerated rate of growth in the Canadian and the U.S. beverage industries by leveraging SweetWater’s innovation, knowledge, and expertise to introduce adult-use cannabis brands via craft beers and other beverages. This includes leveraging both companies proven distribution networks in Canada to sell SweetWater’s 420 cannabis lifestyle brand in Canada.”
It has to be seen, how Tilray’s former joint venture with AB InBev will fit into the new structure, as it was not mentioned with one word in the new announcement.
https://www.inside.beer/news/detail/canadausa-is-ab-inbev-the-loser-of-the-new-cannabis-merger/
Cheers,
Ventura