BREAKING: Wilding Brands has officially acquired Boulder’s Upslope Brewing Co., marking a significant move in the Colorado craft beverage scene. This deal, announced just moments ago, consolidates Wilding’s position as a major player in the industry.
Wilding Brands, headquartered in Lafayette, Colorado, aims to enhance its portfolio of craft beverages while maintaining the unique identity of each brand. Upslope’s production will shift to Wilding’s state-of-the-art “Canworks” facility in Denver, streamlining operations and expanding capacity.
CEO Eric Foster stated, “Since day one, our goal with Wilding has been to create an incredible family of Colorado craft beverage companies that retain their individuality. Upslope is a perfect fit.” This acquisition is just the latest in a series of strategic purchases by Wilding, which was formed in 2022 through a merger of Stem Ciders, Denver Beer Co., and Funkwerks.
Despite the acquisition, Upslope’s popular taprooms in Boulder and Silverthorne will continue to operate under their original management. Wilding confirmed that these locations are not part of the deal, allowing them to retain the customer experience that has made them community staples.
With this acquisition, Wilding Brands expects to produce a staggering 80,000 barrels annually across its brands, positioning itself as Colorado’s second-largest independent craft producer. This places them just behind Fort Collins-based Odell Brewing Co., which topped the Brewers Association’s 2024 list with over 98,000 barrels produced last year.
As Wilding continues to grow, it remains focused on crafting exceptional beverages while fostering the spirit of Colorado’s craft beer community. Stay tuned for more updates as this developing story unfolds.
This report is based on information from BizWest Media LLC.
