Brew Detroit, a formerly Corktown-based brewery known for its distinctive local brews like Cerveza Delray and YumTown, will be relocating its production operations to Marshall, Michigan following its acquisition by Livonia-based Benchmark Beverage Co. The acquisition, which also includes the addition of ROAK Brewing Co. and Dark Horse Brewery to Benchmark's portfolio, indicates an increasing consolidation within the Michigan craft beer industry. According to an announcement by Benchmark Beverage, as reported by Fox 2 Detroit, the production shift is a strategic move aimed at maintaining Brew Detroit's brand survival and expanding its distribution regionally and potentially internationally.
The relocation decision was made public after Brew Detroit closed its taproom last month. Benchmark's president, Auday Arabo, emphasized the company's intention to preserve the essence of the Brew Detroit lineup, saying, "There shouldn't be any changes. If anything, hopefully we can even make the beer a little better," as Fox 2 Detroit reported. Arabo also noted that a Detroit brewer will be making the transition to Marshall, and the existing sales team would remain intact, he said these efforts were part of an initiative to assure loyal patrons that their favorite beers would continue to be produced with the same dedication to quality, and fans were quick to voice their feelings about the shift, expressing both disappointment and support through social media channels.
This development marks a significant change for Brew Detroit, which originated in the very city its name honors. The brewery shared on Facebook that its "heart will remain in Detroit where we were born," showcasing a resolve to hold onto its roots despite the operational move. The full post stated, "We will still be a part of a business located in the gritty state of Michigan. Our heart will remain in Detroit where we were born and we are proud to say that we will always be brewed in our Great Beer State of Michigan," a sentiment that resonates with Michigan's burgeoning reputation as a craft beer stronghold, as WXYZ highlighted.
Amidst the industry landscape where larger multinationals have staked claims in Michigan breweries—such as Founders Brewing Co.'s major stake sale to Spain's Mahou San Miguel and Atwater Brewery's acquisition by Molson Coors which has since been sold to Tilray Brands—Benchmark Beverage aims to uphold its identity as a locally-owned entity focused on growth and expansion within and beyond the state lines, Arabo shared plans for continuing five key Brew Detroit brands and expressed the company's commitment to regional growth, saying, "We're trying to grow and purchase brands and build brands," Arabo told Detroit Free Press, and added, "Michigan's our home, so everything's going to be made in Michigan and exported to other states and hopefully other countries."
