Craft beer pioneer Anchor Brewing Co., known for its iconic Anchor Steam and Christmas Ale beers, has been acquired by Hamdi Ulukaya, the founder of Chobani yogurt and a billionaire.
Chobani founder and CEO, Hamdi Ulukaya, has announced that he has acquired San Francisco-based dairy company, Anchor, although the purchase price has not been disclosed. Ulukaya expressed his enthusiasm for being a part of Anchor’s revitalization, stating that the company embodies many of the qualities that make San Francisco a great city.
He expressed his deep affection for the city, embracing its rich history, resilience, and allure. According to him, brands that originate from such extraordinary locations hold a unique significance and deserve to be valued, esteemed, and adored.
Last year, beer enthusiasts were saddened by the closure of a long-standing brewing company in San Francisco. Established in 1896, the company had to shut down due to a decline in sales and stiff competition from canned cocktails, crafted drinks, spirits, and wines.
Anchor Brewing, once on the brink of financial insolvency in the 1960s, found a savior in Fritz Maytag. His acquisition of the company sparked a resurgence in small-scale and local brewing. In 2017, Japanese brewer Sapporo stepped in to purchase Anchor Brewing.
Last year, the hardworking employees of the brewery faced disappointment as their attempts to purchase the company were unsuccessful.
The assets of Anchor Brewing are now owned by Shepherd Futures, the family office of Ulukaya, the CEO and founder of Chobani.
Hamdi Ulukaya grew up in eastern Turkey, in a family that was involved in dairy farming. After relocating to the United States, he established Chobani in 2005. His aim was to bring back the authentic and nutritious Greek yogurt he enjoyed during his childhood (Chobani website).
The company, based in New York, has expanded its product range beyond yogurt to include milk, creamers, and other beverages.