Hijos de Rivera, the Galician brewing group behind Estrella Galicia, has acquired a majority stake in Basqueland Brewing, a craft brewery based in San Sebastián, Spain. The move strengthens Hijos de Rivera’s “craft brewers project”, aimed at growing its portfolio of premium craft beer brands. The exact size of the acquisition has not been disclosed, but Basqueland will maintain operational independence in brewing.
Founded in 2015 by American expatriates Kevin Patricio and Ben Rozzi, Basqueland Brewing operates from Hernani in the province of Gipuzkoa and has become one of Europe’s most decorated craft brewers. The company has received numerous awards, including the title of Spain’s Best Craft Brewery in 2024, and reported a production of over 800,000 liters (8,000 hectoliters) and a turnover of EUR 3.5 million (USD 3.75 million) that year.
CEO Francisco Ucha and Executive Chair Ignacio Rivera of Hijos de Rivera praised Basqueland’s innovative spirit, quality, and alignment with the group’s core values. Rivera emphasized the shared passion for beer and commitment to environmental and social impact, stating, “Basqueland fits perfectly with the artisan values we have defended for over 100 years.”
The acquisition adds to Hijos de Rivera’s growing craft beer portfolio, which already includes partnerships with Tyris (Valencia), Nortada (Portugal), and O’Hara’s (Ireland). The company remains open to further national and international collaborations with brewers that align with its vision of premium, disruptive beer offerings.
Basqueland Brewing’s product lineup includes Santa Clara Helles lager, Zumo Hazy IPA, and the flagship Imparable IPA. The group’s focus will now be on expanding distribution and raising awareness of high-quality craft beers across Spain, where craft beer still holds a small market share.
This acquisition follows a similar move by Mahou San Miguel, which recently acquired full control of U.S.-based Founders Brewing, reflecting a broader trend of consolidation in the global craft beer market.
