USA, CA: Dokkaebier announces acquisition of Federation Brewing

California-based craft brewery Dokkaebier has bought local beer producer Federation Brewing for an undisclosed fee.

Launched in 2020, the Asian-inspired beer maker has acquired Federation Brewing in its entirety, including its brands, brewery and taproom. Federation’s brewery and taproom in Oakland, California will soon be rebranded as Dokkaebier.

Dokkaebier will retain all nine of Federation’s members of staff, amounting to a total of around 20 employees overall. This is the craft brewer’s first acquisition since inception.

Youngwon Lee, the CEO and founder of Dokkaebier, told Just Drinks the addition of Federation Brewery will accelerate the company’s growth and distribution as well as increase production.

He said: “The acquired brewery and taproom will help Dokkaebier ramp up production by thousands of barrels, produce and release dozens of new craft beer varieties and flavours a year, and host dozens of events as part of the local community.

“Dokkaebier will also take over Federation Brewing’s distribution relationships and local partnerships, which include new retailers, delivery service providers and alternating proprietorships with craft breweries.”

Federation’s beers, including In The Weeds IPA and Utopia Planitia Red Rye, are available through local retailers, e-commerce and its own taproom.

“We thank Federation Brewing for giving us the opportunity to cement Dokkaebier’s roots in Oakland,” Lee said.

“We are proud that our first flagship brewery and taproom will continue to be a space for the underrepresented in our industry.”

Dokkaebier has released over 40 craft beers which are available in over 400 restaurants and retailers, including Whole Foods Market and H Mart.

Federation Brewing founder Aram Cretan added: “We are excited to join forces with Youngwon and Dokkaebier. Dokkaebier shares our commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the beer industry. They will help extend our legacy as a community-oriented brewery.”

Hayden Fullstone, co-founder of beverage powder mixes company Liquid I.V., has also joined Dokkaebier as an adviser to help the company “launch in new markets as part of our planned nationwide expansion and identify and secure new marketing, partnership and sales opportunities”, Lee said.

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