Full Circle Brewing Co. and Crowns & Hops Brewing Co., announced a groundbreaking strategic alliance aimed at transforming the face of the craft beverage industry. The Circle of Crowns Beverage Group (CCBG) is an alliance that combines two leading Black-owned companies and centralizes production, sales and marketing between them, to bring locally curated brands and authentic experiences to more retailers and consumers around the world.
Full Circle, Fresno, Calif., is a Black-owned, full-scale production craft brewery. Crowns & Hops Brewing Co., Inglewood, Calif., ignited a global movement after forming in 2016, paving the way for more Black and Brown faces to enter the beer community, the companies say.
CCBG, made up of Full Circle, Crowns & Hops, Speakeasy Ales & Lagers, and Sonoma Cider, was established to break the barriers hindering Black-owned suppliers related to production, distribution and access to retailers. Historically, no Black supplier has had the infrastructure or scalable production capabilities to seize statewide, national, or global BIPOC producer opportunities, the companies note.
“This strategic alliance leverages the strength of our infrastructures and distributor networks to bring our unique brands to retail shelves around the world,” said Arthur Moye, CEO and founder of Full Circle, in a statement. “Together we are better positioned to maximize growth and bring more consumers craft beverages with an aspirational, relevant connection to black culture.”
Teo Hunter, Crowns & Hops co-founder, chief operating officer and head of brewing operations, added: “We can each apply our No Big Deal skills, those areas where we naturally excel based on our previous knowledge and experiences. Arthur at Full Circle is amazing with production, scaling, and the financial side of the business, while Beny and I are experts in branding, marketing, community, and partnerships.”
Beny Ashburn, “The Dope” CEO and co-founder of Crowns & Hops, added: “Crowns & Hops and Full Circle share the same visions, values, and strategies. Our collective mission extends beyond production, marketing, and sales; we aim to be a supportive resource for other Black-owned craft beer brands, fostering community and growth within the industry.”