OSKAR BLUES MAKES INC. MAGAZINE 5000 LIST OF FASTEST-GROWING PRIVATE COMPANIES FOR SECOND YEAR IN A ROW Oskar Blues Ranks 18 Among Food & Beverage Industry

 

LONGMONT, Colo. – Oskar Blues’ growth and commitment to the craft beer industry were recognized for the second year in a row, as one of the of fastest-growing private companies in Inc. Magazine’s prestigious Inc. 5000 list. Ranked number 772 according to percentage of revenue growth from 2006 to 2009, Oskar Blues not only made the list but also ranked 18 in the food and beverage industry. The list represents the most comprehensive look at the most important segment of the economy—America’s independent-minded entrepreneurs. Complete results for the Inc. 5000 list can be viewed at: http://www.inc.com/inc5000/list

 

Oskar Blues definitely fits the independent-minded category, with events like this year’s Burning Can Festival celebrating great craft beer in a can. Set in the heart of Colorado craft beer country, Oskar Blues Brewery in Lyons began canning its beers in November of 2002 with a hand-canning line in the 60-year-old barn next door to their funky little brewpub.  What began as a joke, is now a full-throttle canning operation that is quickly expanding its cult-like following across the nation, Oskar Blues remains true to its original mission of simply blowing minds with what can come out of a can of beer.

 

“The leaders of the companies on this year’s Inc. 5000 have figured out how to grow their businesses during the longest recession since the Great Depression,” said Inc. president Bob LaPointe. “The 2010 Inc. 5000 showcases a particularly hardy group of entrepreneurs.”

 

“To have our funky little brewery ranked in this list for the second year in a row is a real thrill.” says Oskar Blues founder Dale Katechis.  “Accolades are nice, but we’re in the craft beer industry to share our passion to push the boundaries of what’s expected from a craft beer in a can”. 

 

Since 2002, over 50 breweries have followed Oskar Blues’ innovation and have begun canning great craft beer. Last year, only two craft breweries made the rankings and due to increased demand, nine breweries made the ranks this year. Oskar Blues is not only the leader in the canned craft beer industry but a huge supporter of the craft beer movement and the advantages of cans displayed here:

 

Advantages of Cans:

Beer Freshness Advantages:

Cans provide an environmentally responsible and superior package for craft beer.  They offer complete protection from the damages of UV light and create a superior seal compared to bottle caps.  The seal created between the aluminum can and aluminum lid allows lower levels of ingressed oxygen which increases shelf life and serves the consumer fresher craft beer.

 

Environmental Advantages: 

Aluminum is infinitely recyclable. Cans allow breweries to reduce their carbon footprint due to weight and volume shipping advantages. One hundred cases of cans can be shipped on a standard pallet versus 60 cases of glass bottles, which reduces fuel usage & keeps Mother Nature happy.  Consider the weight differences between an empty glass bottle and an empty can. 

 

Consumer Advantages:

Cans allow consumers to experience craft beer wherever their next adventure takes them. Cans do not shatter when stressed or abused.  Unlike cans of old, there is no direct contact or flavor exchange between beer and the aluminum can.  Pack it in, Pack it out.

 

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ABOUT OSKAR BLUES

Three-dimensional brewing since 1999, Oskar Blues began the “Canned Beer Apocalypse” in 2002 when Dale’s Pale Ale became America’s 1st CANNED craft beer.   For additional info, interviews, images or samples please contact Chad Melis at chad@oskarblues.com, # 720.273.8888 or visit www.oskarblues.com

 

INC. 5000 METHODOLOGY

The 2010 Inc. 500|5000 is ranked according to percentage revenue growth when comparing 2006 to 2009. To qualify, companies must have been founded and generating revenue by June 30, 2006. Additionally, they had to be based in the United States, privately held, for profit, and independent—not subsidiaries or divisions of other companies—as of December 31, 2009. (Since then, a number of companies on the list have gone public or been acquired.) The minimum revenue required for 2006 is $80,000; the minimum for 2009 is $2 million. As always, Inc. reserves the right to decline applicants for subjective reasons. The top 10 percent of companies on the list constitute the Inc. 500, now in its 29th year.

 

ABOUT INC. MAGAZINE

Founded in 1979 and acquired in 2005 by Mansueto Ventures LLC, Inc. (www.inc.com) is the only major business magazine dedicated exclusively to owners and managers of growing private companies that delivers real solutions for today’s innovative company builders. With a total paid circulation of 712,647, Inc. provides hands-on tools and market-tested strategies for managing people, finances, sales, marketing, and technology. Visit us online at www.inc.com.———————————————————————–