Aug 6, 2024 - News

Sapporo-Stone Brewing makes progress on $20 million expansion in Escondido

Kate Murphy

Workers watch as a 30-foot fermenter tank is craned in through a brewery skylight. — A 30-foot fermenter tank is craned in through a brewery skylight. Photo: Courtesy of Sapporo-Stone Brewing

Sapporo-Stone Brewing craned in eight 30-foot, 400-barrel fermenter tanks through a skylight in the roof of it's local brewery over the weekend.

Why it matters: The new tank installation is part of Sapporo's $20 million investment in the Escondido headquarters, which will help double the company's production capacity to about 700,000 barrels a year across its U.S. breweries.

Catch up quick: Japan's oldest beer brand Sapporo acquired San Diego-based Stone Brewing in 2022, continuing to brew Stone's popular craft beer and it's own.

The company's goals include moving all current production of Sapporo beer from Canada and Asia to the U.S., which spurred a $60 million, multi-phase expansion project that includes upgrades to its facilities in Richmond and Escondido.
In May, Sapporo-Stone Brewing officials unveiled the local expansion, including the fermentation tanks, new packaging lines for cans and bottles and a distribution warehouse.

What to watch: The brewery is the nation's 12th largest by volume, and it's aiming for a top 10 ranking.

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Sapporo-Stone Brewing makes progress on $20 million expansion in Escondido

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