The Ownership Status of Yuengling Beer

As of August 2023, Yuengling Beer is not owned by any of the large mega brewers such as Miller, Coors, or Budweiser. Instead, it remains independently owned by the Yuengling family, making it the oldest operating brewing company in the United States. This family dynasty has been crafting brews since its establishment in 1829. Yuengling's independence is a significant aspect of its brand, appealing to a segment of the market that seeks authenticity and heritage.

While Yuengling is among the largest craft breweries in the U.S., it has managed to retain its family-owned status. This stands in contrast to many larger craft beer brands which often find themselves under the corporate umbrella of larger brewing conglomerates. For instance, anheuser-bush InBev owns the Miller brand outside the U.S. and Canada after acquiring SAB-Miller a few years ago.

Trivia and Industry Context

Constellation Brands imports Grupo Modelo, which includes brands like Modelo, Corona, and Pacifico, also under the anheuser-Bush InBev portfolio. This highlights the current trends in the beer and spirits industry, where larger corporations often control multiple brands across different regions and countries.

Yuengling's Legacy and Success

Yuengling's journey to success is marked by its rich history and commitment to craft brewing. This year, the company celebrated 190 years of brewing, a milestone undoubtedly prided by the Yuengling family. The brewery continues to operate independently, making it one of the only few privately owned breweries in the United States. This year's celebration included iconic summer commemorative cans and a series of notable events around the community.

The Classification of Yuengling Beer

Despite its impressive success, Yuengling beer fails to classify as a craft brewer. This is not due to its volume but rather due to its failure to meet the criteria set by the Brewers Association. According to the association, a craft brewer must be:

Small: Producing under 6 million barrels of beer per year. Traditional: Having an all-malt flagship beer product and at least 50% of the restaurant category using only adjuncts to enhance flavor, not to lighten the flavor. Independent: Less than 25% owned or controlled by a non-brewer.

Yuengling's flagship beer, which uses adjuncts, and the fact that a portion of its profit is shared with a non-brewing entity, means it does not strictly adhere to the independent criteria set by the Brewers Association.

Further Insight

For a deeper understanding of the craft brewing industry, it is recommended to visit the Brewers Association website, which is the premier source of information on the craft brewing sector. While Yuengling fails to fit the exact definition of a craft brewer, its position as one of the best-tasting beers and its local pride makes it a significant player in the U.S. brewing landscape.

Yuengling's history and ongoing success showcase the resilience of family-owned businesses in an industry increasingly dominated by larger corporations. As consumers seek more authentic and traditionally crafted products, Yuengling continues to build its reputation, proving that legacy matters a great deal in the craft brewing world.