BREAKING: Wilding Brands has just announced its acquisition of Boulder’s Upslope Brewing Co. in a strategic move that reshapes Colorado’s craft beverage landscape. The terms of the deal, revealed earlier today, remain undisclosed, but Upslope’s production will be shifted to Wilding’s state-of-the-art “Canworks” facility in Denver.
Wilding Brands, headquartered in Lafayette, has rapidly expanded since its formation last year, aiming to build a diverse family of Colorado craft beverage companies. In a statement, CEO Eric Foster emphasized the company’s commitment to maintaining the unique identities and quality of its acquisitions. “Upslope is a perfect fit,” he declared, highlighting the integration of Upslope into a robust portfolio.
The acquisition does not affect Upslope’s popular Boulder taprooms and its location in Silverthorne, which will continue to operate under the previous management. “The taprooms are not part of the acquisition and remain under the management of the previous owner/operator,” Wilding confirmed in a news release.
Since merging with notable brands like Stem Ciders, Denver Beer Co., and Funkwerks last year, Wilding has quickly established itself as a significant player in the craft beverage sector. Following the acquisition of Great Divide in April and Station 26 Brewing Co. in June, the addition of Upslope is expected to boost Wilding’s production capacity to a staggering 80,000 barrels across its brands.
This figure positions Wilding as Colorado’s second-largest independent craft producer, trailing only behind Fort Collins-based Odell Brewing Co., which produced over 98,000 barrels last year, according to the Brewers Association’s 2024 list.
The landscape of Colorado craft beverages is evolving rapidly, and Wilding’s aggressive acquisition strategy reflects a growing trend of consolidation in the industry. With seasoned veterans like Foster, Brad Lincoln, and Charlie Berger at the helm, the company is poised for significant growth and innovation.
As this story develops, industry watchers will be keenly observing how Wilding brands itself and integrates Upslope into its expanding portfolio. The implications for local craft culture and consumer experiences are profound, making this acquisition a pivotal moment in Colorado’s brewing history.
Stay tuned for more updates as we follow this evolving story and the ripple effects it may have on the craft beverage community in Colorado and beyond.
