Equipment suppliers merge to form alliance

Six beverage equipment suppliers have joined forces in a US$100 million deal to launch a ‘one-stop-shop’ for the craft drinks industry, called the Lotus Beverage Alliance.

The Lotus Beverage Alliance is a US-based collective of experienced craft beverage equipment manufacturers. It has officially launched as a company today (20 April).

The six merged companies are composed of Alpha Brewing Operations, GW Kent, Twin Monkeys, Stout Tanks and Kettles, Brewmation, and Automated Extractions, each of which is said to be a leader in craft beverage equipment manufacturing, offering essential infrastructure and technology for diversifying the craft beverage industry.

The alliance brings these leading equipment makers under one roof to become the only end-to-end provider dedicated to ‘crafting possibilities’ for beverage makers.

The combined capabilities of Lotus will enable beverage manufacturers of all sizes to access the most comprehensive array of products spanning every step of production for spirits and ready-to-drink cocktails, as well as craft beer, wine, cider, kombucha, CBD-infused drinks, and sake beverages.

The five founders of the six companies will remain in senior leadership positions at Lotus: Matt Rennerfeldt, John Watt, Kevin Weaver, Josh Van Riper, and Randy Reichwage.

John Ansbro, an industry veteran with more than 30 years’ experience in equipment manufacturing, has been named company CEO. He has previously held senior executive positions at Alfa Laval, Johnson Controls, and the GEA Group.

‘Ansbro commented: “Lotus has everything craft beverage creators need to produce the amazing artisanal products they love, for people who love them.

“Our team’s proven industry experience includes a deep bench of experts helping to optimise the production of handcrafted beverages for consumers to enjoy.”

Lotus Beverage Alliance now produces more than 1,500 top-shelf products, including 304 stainless steel conical fermenters, multi-capacity tanks, mash tuns, canning systems, packaging, thermal processes and sanitation equipment, as well as raw ingredient supply, parts, and more.

Banjo Bandolas, director of advertising and sales at ProBrewer.com, commented: “The result of this merger for craft beverage makers is sure to be exponential growth and continued beverage innovation.

“Lotus appears to be a first-mover by creating a one-stop-shop for craft brewers and companies moving into ‘beyond beer’ products. I look forward to seeing where it evolves.”

In other drinks manufacturing news, last month the Scotch Malt Whisky Society opened its new bottling facility in Scotland.