Craft Beer Boom - The Beer Thrillers

Ballast Point Shutting Down Production

B. Kline — Thu, 25 Apr 2024 22:15:11 +0000

Ballast Point Brewery (Long Beach) (photo courtesy of Ballast Point)

Ballast Point Shutting Down Production in Miramar

Ballast Point Brewing’s headquarters is located at 9045 Carroll Way in Miramar.

Ballast Point Brewing has ceased production at its Miramar headquarters, turning to contract brewing as it continues to focus on distribution and maintain its consumer-facing venues while exploring new brewery locations.

The trend of contract brewing has gained traction over recent years, allowing companies to reduce overheads such as equipment maintenance, staff payroll, and operational costs, while concentrating on sales, marketing, and managing public venues like tasting rooms and restaurants. Notable breweries like Latitude 33 Brewing and Mason Ale Works have successfully adopted this model, with the latter now planning to open a branded taproom after increasing its production capacity through contract brewing.

Ballast Point, one of the largest breweries in the county, follows this path as it suspends operations at its 107,000-square-foot Miramar site, which includes a brewery, bar, and restaurant. This transition led to layoffs within the production staff. The brewery, under the management of Kings & Convicts Brewing, shifted its base to Miramar after purchasing Ballast Point from Constellation Brands in 2019 for a fraction of its initial $1 billion sale price in 2015.

“It’s been a challenging week, but necessary adjustments were needed,” stated CEO Brendan Watters. He expressed that the large-scale facility was unsustainable and not reflective of the original Ballast Point ethos, which he recalls as being more grassroots at Scripps Ranch, operating intensely around the clock.

Since taking over, Kings & Convicts aimed to revitalize the Ballast Point brand, a plan complicated by the COVID-19 pandemic and other setbacks despite increased visibility through local sports sponsorships and new venues like a brewery-restaurant in San Francisco.

In 2022, Kings & Convicts expanded into spaces previously occupied by Saint Archer Brewery, including the Miramar brewery and a Leucadia tasting room, both of which are now managed by Fall Brewing and Duck Foot Brewing, respectively.

Despite these changes, Ballast Point will keep its bar and restaurant at the Miramar location operational, along with its Little Italy brewpub in downtown San Diego, the Home Brew Mart in Morena, and several other venues across California, including in Long Beach and Anaheim.

“We’ve secured a contract with another company to oversee the Miramar brewery. In the interim, they will handle production to supply our taprooms and distributors as we look to establish a new facility in San Diego, ideally with an 80-to-100-barrel brewhouse,” Watters explained. “Our goal is to restore Ballast Point as a premier West Coast brand.”

Ballast Point was best known for its Sculpin series of craft beers and was one of the early forerunners of the craft beer boom in America.

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Brewing Prosperity: The Economic Impact of Local Craft Beverages

B. Kline — Mon, 05 Feb 2024 04:57:13 +0000

Breweries and Farms… Farms and Breweries… They need each other.

Craft Beer’s Boom

In recent years, the craft beverage industry has ballooned, offering consumers a huge array of flavors and experiences beyond traditional mass-produced options. However, beyond satisfying taste buds, these local brews, ciders, wines, and spirits are brewing something else: economic prosperity, especially when producers prioritize sourcing ingredients from local farms.

Craft beverage producers often prioritize sourcing ingredients locally, forging partnerships with nearby farms and orchards. This commitment to local sourcing goes beyond just fostering a sense of community; it has significant economic implications.

Craft Beer Sourcing Local Ingredients

Firstly, when craft beverage producers purchase ingredients from local farms, they inject money directly into the local economy. This financial support helps sustain family-owned farms, which are often pillars of rural communities. By providing a stable market for their products, craft beverage producers contribute to the preservation of agricultural heritage and livelihoods.

Moreover, the economic impact ripples outward. As craft beverage production grows, so does the demand for ancillary goods and services. From equipment suppliers to packaging supplies, a flourishing craft beverage industry creates employment opportunities across various sectors. Additionally, the influx of tourists drawn to the unique offerings of local breweries, wineries, and distilleries stimulates the hospitality industry, further boosting local economies.

Furthermore, the emphasis on local ingredients fosters a sustainable agricultural ecosystem. By reducing the distance ingredients travel from farm to glass, craft beverage producers minimize their carbon footprint and support environmentally friendly practices. This emphasis on sustainability not only resonates with consumers but also aligns with broader societal goals of environmental stewardship.

Craft Beer Builds a Community

Beyond economic benefits, the local sourcing ethos strengthens community ties. Craft beverage producers often collaborate with neighboring businesses and participate in local events, fostering a sense of pride and identity within the community. These connections contribute to the overall vibrancy and resilience of local economies.

The economic impact of drinking local craft beverages is amplified when producers prioritize sourcing ingredients from local farms. By supporting these businesses, consumers not only enjoy high-quality, distinctive beverages but also play a vital role in sustaining and strengthening their local economies.

Whether it’s a pint of locally brewed beer, a glass of regional wine, or a cocktail made with artisanal spirits, every sip can make a difference in building thriving communities. Cheers to supporting local craft producers and the farms that sustain them!

See Our Recently Posted Article

See our recently posted article about how the craft beer community is doing, and why breweries are closing, and what this whole conundrum thing is all about.

The Craft Beer Conundrum: Navigating the Troubled Waters of the Craft Beer Industry

We will be writing a series of articles exploring the craft beer industry, and how fragile it really is right now. What might be happening to it, and where the industry is heading. We hope you stay tuned for these great articles. Thank you!

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