D.G. Yuengling & Son Inc., Pottsville, Pa., and Molson Coors Beverage Co., Chicago, have launched a long-term brewing partnership, which will bring Yuengling's beer to millions more people outside of its East Coast footprint. This partnership will allow the distribution of Yuengling beers to expand further west for the first time in history.

The joint venture between Yuengling and Molson Coors will oversee any new market expansion beyond the 191-year-old brewer's existing 22 state footprint plus any future New England expansion. The partnership is expected to launch in the second half of 2021 and will be governed by a board of directors, consisting evenly of Yuengling and Molson Coors family members and executives. Importantly, D.G. Yuengling & Son Inc. remains a family-owned business and the existing company will operate separately from the joint venture with Molson Coors.

"We are excited to launch this brewing partnership with the team at Molson Coors. Like Yuengling, Molson Coors has an established commitment to quality and rich history of family brewing excellence," said Wendy Yuengling, chief administrative officer and sixth generation family member of D.G. Yuengling & Son Inc., in a statement. "This partnership is a great opportunity for us to grow our distribution footprint for the long term, while continuing to support our existing markets and the communities in which we operate."

The Yuengling family will work closely with the iconic Coors and Molson brewing families, and the Molson Coors Beverage Co., to brew Yuengling products and expand their geographic footprint as an extension of East Coast brewery. Together, Yuengling brewers will work hand-in-hand at Molson Coors' brewing facilities and tap into their expertise in brewing and distribution to make the Yuengling brands more accessible to fans by opening markets the company can't currently reach, the companies say.

"This is a huge growth opportunity for Yuengling, it's a huge growth opportunity for Molson Coors, and we're going to make a whole lot of Yuengling fans out west really happy," said Gavin Hattersley, president and chief executive officer of Molson Coors Beverage Co. "Today, three storied brewing families and their collective 18 generations of brewing excellence, have come together with one goal for the future — a future focused on growth. That is worth celebrating."

Jennifer Yuengling, vice president of operations and sixth generation family member of D.G. Yuengling & Son Inc. added: "We are excited to work with the Molson Coors' team on this partnership. Fans can expect the same Yuengling recipes and great taste they have come to love for more than 190 years."