Chobani yogurt billionaire buys San Francisco's 127-year-old Anchor Brewing Co.
Craft beer pioneer Anchor Brewing Co. has been purchased by Chobani yogurt founder and billionaire Hamdi Ulukaya
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Craft beer pioneer Anchor Brewing Co. — maker of its famous Anchor Steam and Christmas Ale beer —has been purchased by Chobani yogurt founder and billionaire Hamdi Ulukaya.
Craft beer pioneer Anchor Brewing Co., maker of its famous Anchor Steam and Christmas Ale beers, has been purchased by Chobani yogurt founder and billionaire Hamdi Ulukaya.
The purchase price was not disclosed. Ulukaya said in a statement issued Friday that Anchor embodies much of what makes San Francisco so great and he's excited to be part of the company's rebirth.
“I have fallen in love with this city, its history, grit and charm. I believe brands born in places like this are incredibly special and must be treasured, respected and loved,” he said.
Beer lovers mourned when the brewing company, established in San Francisco in 1896, announced its closure last year amid declining sales and increased competition from canned cocktails, crafted drinks, spirits and wines.
Anchor was rescued previously from near financial insolvency in the 1960s when it was acquired by Fritz Maytag, who sparked a revival in small-scale and local brewing. Japanese brewer Sapporo then purchased Anchor Brewing in 2017.
Last year heartbroken brewery employees failed in attempts to buy the company.
Shepherd Futures, the family office of Chobani CEO and founder Ulukaya, now owns the assets of Anchor Brewing.
Ulukaya was raised in a dairy-farming family in eastern Turkey. He founded Chobani in 2005 after moving to the U.S., looking to recreate the wholesome Greek yogurt from his childhood, according to the Chobani website.
The company has expanded beyond yogurt to milk, creamers and other drinks. It is based in New York.