Stone Brewing jolting into java

NuZee, Inc. (Nasdaq: NUZE), a leading coffee co-packing and technology company, announced that it has entered into a five-year global licensing agreement with Stone Brewing, the nation’s seventh-largest craft brewery, beers from which are sold in all 50 states and internationally in over 40 countries. Under the exclusive agreement, NuZee intends to co-manufacture and distribute Stone Brewing specialty coffee products nationwide through a vast network of natural grocery, traditional grocery and convenience store channels, as well as office coffee and hotel brokers and distributors. NuZee also intends to build a strong direct-to-consumer business by marketing the specialty coffee line to craft beverage customers around the world on a dedicated website. The new product line is expected to launch in Q3 2023.

NuZee will produce a full line of specialty coffee products, including its proprietary single-serve DRIPKIT pour-overs, single-serve brew bags, whole bean 12-ounce coffee bags and Industrial Compostable capsules all to be branded under the Stone name. Previously, NuZee provided Stone with highly coveted seasonal coffees corresponding with special-release beers.

The new line of coffee will adopt the branding and flavor characteristics of three of Stone’s most popular brands: Stone Arrogant Bastard Ale, Stone Buenaveza Salt & Lime Lager and Stone Xocoveza. Stone Arrogant Bastard Ale is heralded for its groundbreaking bitterness, bold attributes and all-around arrogant personality. NuZee-produced coffees will reflect the same arrogance of this legendary ale. Stone’s Buenaveza coffee offering will reflect the cross-border influence of the beer with beans sourced from Mexico. Stone Xocoveza coffee will adopt the indulgence of Stone’s favorite winter beer, brewed with the key ingredients found in Mexican hot chocolate.

NuZee CEO Masa Higashida commented, “We are delighted to build upon the success of our past collaborations and expand our partnership with our San Diego neighbors at Stone. Our team will capitalize on the remarkable brand recognition and expanding influence of the Stone brand, synergizing it with our exceptional coffees and coffee-related offerings. We believe that this agreement will drive significant revenue growth, which will significantly increase shareholder value. We look forward to serving Stone’s expansive consumer audience and effectively driving long-term shareholder value.”

Founded in 1996, Stone Brewing pioneered the West Coast-style IPA, helping to fuel the modern craft beer revolution and inspire generations of hop fanatics. As the seventh-largest craft brewer in the U.S., Stone operates two production brewing facilities on both coasts, in Escondido, California, and Richmond, Virginia. Today, Stone’s beer is available in all 50 states and more than 40 different countries.

Stone Brewing Senior Vice President of Marketing Erin Smith said, “There is a definite overlap in what attracts people to craft beer and to craft coffee. Quality, intention, and passion are what our fans seek and we’re confident that this new line of first-class specialty coffees will be an exciting new way for them to enjoy the Stone brand.”