FDBusiness.com

Anheuser-Busch InBev has acquired Birra del Borgo, one of the leading craft brewers in Italy, for an undisclosed sum. AB InBev will provide the support to allow Birra de Borgo to expand its brewery know how and infrastructure, continue to innovate and bring new beers on the market through its distribution system. Founder Leonardo Di Vincenzo will continue to lead Birra Del Borgo as chief executive of the company.

“The partnership with AB InBev will bring us many advantages, from technological improvements and access to scientific research to the possibility to grow from a commercial point of view,” says Leonardo Di Vincenzo. “Moreover, this partnership also means that we will be able to focus much more on what we enjoy most and do best: creating and experimenting with exciting new beers and pushing the boundaries of beer evolution in Italy.”

The acquisition of Birra del Borgo marks the latest in a series of purchases of craft beer businesses by AB InBev. The global brewer recently completed its eighth craft brewery company in the US and its sixth in the last 18 months, when bought Devils Backbone Brewing Company. AB InBev has also been adding craft breweries in other markets to its portfolio. For example it purchased London-based Campden Town Brewery and Toronto-based Mills Street Brewery late last year.