Sapporo-Stone Brewing is officially making Zach Keeling its new CEO.
Keeling was appointed interim CEO in January when then-CEO Maria Stipp stepped down from the role after guiding the Escondido, California-headquartered brewery through its 2022 acquisition by the Japanese brewing giant and through its integration.
Keeling previously served as CFO and VP of strategy. The company credited him with establishing the integrated company’s “long-term strategic plans.”
“Sapporo-Stone is on an impressive trajectory, and I’m honored to lead this talented team toward becoming a top 10 brewery by volume in the U.S.,” Keeling said in the announcement. “I’m committed to driving our growth while prioritizing people and culture.”
The appointment follows the completion of phase one of a $60 million brewery expansion that increased capacity across the company’s production facilities in Escondido and Richmond, Virginia, to around 700,000 barrels annually.
In 2023, Sapporo-Stone ranked as the 12th largest U.S. brewery by volume. The company operates bicoastal brewing facilities, five taproom locations and two Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens spaces. The company has 850 workers.
In 52-week NIQ data through May 25, which the company shared, Sapporo has increased sales +14.6%, with the majority of the growth driven by Sapporo Premium. Sapporo is the No. 1 selling Asian beer brand in the U.S.
Stone’s core offerings – the Delicious IPA family, Stone IPA andBuenaveza Salt & Lime Lager – have increased sales +12.5% in NIQ-tracked channels through May 25. Additionally Buenaveza’s on-premise chain depletions are up +27% compared to last year, driven by accounts such as Topgolf, Yardhouse, Regal Cinema and Old Chicago, the brewery shared.
Stone American Pilsner is launching this summer in Southern California.