DENVER (AP) — The entry of the world's largest beer maker into Colorado's craft beer paradise has sent tremors though the state's thriving community of homebrewers and independent breweries.
Anheuser-Busch InBev's planned acquisition of Breckenridge Brewery has many worried that the company will be able to squeeze out independent breweries by discounting its own craft beer line and using its influence with distributors to get more of its beers on liquor store shelves.
InBev says it's not trying to push any brewers out of business and frames the real battle as between beer and the growing wine and liquor market. The president of InBev's craft beer line, Felipe Szpigel, says everyone who is putting out great beers and has a story to tell about it will thrive.