Blumenauer Underscores Concerns About Effects of ABI and SABMiller Merger on Oregon's Craft Brewers and Consumers

Press Release

As the decision from the Department of Justice regarding the global merger of Anheuser-Busch InBev (ABI) and SABMiller is expected soon, U.S. Congressman Earl Blumenauer (OR-03) today again highlighted and underscored concerns about the effects of the merger on Oregon's craft brewers and consumers. On February 11, 2016, Congressman Blumenauer joined other members of the House Small Brewers Caucus, in calling for the Department of Justice to complete a comprehensive review of the merger and to "prevent negative effects of the proposed transaction on America's craft brewers and consumers, who may be left with fewer choices and experience higher prices." In particular, the Small Brewers Caucus urged the Department of Justice to examine "outcome[s] that will further limit access to many U.S. markets that are currently only served by two major beer distributors."

"The merger of these two behemoths should raise alarms throughout the craft beer industry," Congressman Blumenauer said today. "Not only may the merger further reduce choice and competition, it could also limit opportunities for Oregon's craft entrepreneurs to get their brews to market. As I have highlighted to the administration, the Justice Department must carefully examine the proposal's effects on the craft beer distribution system."

Congressman Blumenauer is a member of the Small Brewers Caucus in the U.S. House of Representatives, and cosponsors legislation that supports the craft brewing industry in Oregon and across the United States, including the Small BREW Act, the Craft Beverage Bond Simplification Act of 2015, and the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act of 2015. Congress also recently passed his legislation supporting the craft cider industry.

Congressman Blumenauer to Join Base Camp Brewing Company for New Beer Release to Highlight Efforts to Protect Precious Owyhee Canyonlands

On Wednesday, July 20, at 2:00 p.m. (PT) in Portland, Congressman Earl Blumenauer will join Base Camp Brewing Company for the bottling release of its latest creation, the Owyhee Canyonlands Wild Ale, inspired by the magnificent Owyhee Canyonlands in southeastern Oregon. Members of the media are invited to cover the event. If you would like more information or to attend the event, please contact Nicole L'Esperance at nicole.lesperance@mail.house.gov or (202) 225-4811.

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