BrewDog seals tie-up with Budweiser to expand across China

Craft beer firm BrewDog is expanding across China after striking a joint venture deal with brewing giant Budweiser. BrewDog said the tie-up will see brands such as Punk IPA, Hazy Jane and Elvis Juice launch across China from next month. Its beers will be brewed locally in China in collaboration with BrewDog's brewing team and head of quality at Budweiser China's Putian Craft Brewery in Fujian province. China currently accounts for less than 1% of BrewDog's overall sales, but the group is hoping the deal will allow it to ramp up sales in Greater China and tap into what it believes is the world's biggest producer and consumer of beer. BrewDog founder James Watt said: "This is a genuinely transformational partnership which is going to bring BrewDog to every corner of the world's biggest beer market, from a truly bespoke craft brewery which will help ensure the quality of our beers." Under the long-term agreement, BrewDog will look to Budweiser's "Highly sophisticated" sales and distribution network to help it expand in the region. BrewDog will also tie up with an affiliate of Budweiser China to boost its international footprint into South Korea, with options for other Asian markets going forwards.