Anheuser-Busch, the U.S. subsidiary of global brewing leader AB InBev, is permanently ceasing beer production at its facility in Pease International Tradeport. The move affects operations of the former Craft Brew Alliance (CBA), which had been brewing Cisco Brewers products at the site.
The closure was confirmed on March 28 and follows Anheuser-Busch’s announcement of a USD 1 million investment into expanding operations at Wicked Weed Brewing in Asheville, North Carolina—located over 900 miles (approx. 1,450 kilometers) southwest of Portsmouth. Wicked Weed Brewing, also part of the group’s craft beer portfolio, will be the beneficiary of redirected resources.
While the dedicated canning line for Cisco Brewers at the Portsmouth site will remain active—supporting other craft beers—the end of full-scale brewing at the facility will lead to layoffs. The exact number of affected employees has not been disclosed. The company has stated that severance packages and preferential hiring at other facilities will be offered, and discussions with the local union representing some of the staff are ongoing.
The decision is part of a broader shift in Anheuser-Busch’s craft beer strategy, which has increasingly scaled back from its earlier ambitions in the segment. After acquiring the Craft Brew Alliance in 2020—adding companies like Kona Brewing, Cisco Brewers, and Widmer Brothers to its portfolio—the company has since reduced its investment in those operations. In recent years, Anheuser-Busch has sold, closed or downsized multiple CBA-related facilities, focusing instead on fewer, higher-performing craft labels.
In 2023, the company entered into a definitive agreement with Tilray to divest eight beer and beverage brands from its craft beer portfolio (inside.beer, 7.8.2023). One year later, the company closed Wynwood Brewing in Miami, Florida, and Golden Road Brewing in Sacramento, California (inside.beer, 26.1.2024). Now, Cisco Brewers is next in line and gives another good example how the major brewing groups are now streamlining their craft division and redirecting resources toward select breweries such as Wicked Weed Brewing that offer stronger market growth potential.
The site’s history as a brewing location dates back to 1996, when it was built as Redhook Brewery, modeled after its original location in Washington state. It grew into a 104,000-square-foot brewing hub and underwent major changes over the years. Cisco Brewers took over the space in 2018 as part of a joint rebranding effort with the Craft Brew Alliance, which acquired Cisco Brewers that same year. In 2020, CBA itself was acquired by Anheuser-Busch.
A significant upgrade to the facility was completed in early 2023 with the installation of a USD 6 million canning line capable of producing 625 cases of beer per hour. The investment was celebrated at a public event attended by Brendan Whitworth, CEO of Anheuser-Busch USA, U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan, and local leaders. The company had projected a 29% increase in production for 2023, with an additional 56% increase in 2024.
Despite the investment, the location began scaling back operations in December 2024 with the closure of the Cisco Brewers bar and restaurant on site. The decision to end beer production follows unionization efforts at the facility: in November, 29 Wicked Weed Brewing employees, including brewers and quality assurance technicians, joined the Teamsters union.
