Pelican Brands Announces Acquisition of Napa Smith Brewery

NAPA, Calif., Sept. 20 /PRNewswire/ -- Pelican Brands is pleased to announce it has entered into an exclusive purchase agreement to acquire the Napa Smith Brewery & Winery. The purchase includes seven acres of land and 50,000 sq.ft. of production, warehousing and office space. Earlier this year, Napa Smith appointed Pelican Brands as its exclusive sales representatives in the United States.

J. Smoke Wallin, Chairman & CEO of Pelican Brands, said, "The craft beer business is the fastest growing category of beverages in America. Much of the new demand is being met by small local brewers. It is our belief that while a few will become regional brands, a very select few will become national brands. Napa Smith has all the right brand attributes - amazing beer from one of the most respected names in the craft brewing industry, distinctive packaging, and Napa terroir - to become one of those few select national brands."

Wallin continued, "This acquisition is a perfect strategic fit for Pelican Brands in building a global sales and brand platform of both owned and agency brands. The Pelican team looks forward to building Napa Smith into an iconic craft beer brand with President Steve Morgan and Master Brewer Don Barkley."

Steve Morgan, President of Napa Smith, stated, "This is an exciting day for the Napa Smith business and for the community. In the past ninety days, Napa Smith, through Pelican's platform, has expanded into eight new states. Before the end of the year, we will add additional states making Napa Smith available from the Pacific all the way to the Atlantic. Napa Smith will be available nationwide by mid 2011. Pelican Brands will provide the growth capital needed for further expansion. Napa's winemakers made the Napa Valley into a global name and destination. We are proud to continue this tradition by bringing beer - brewed with the same level of quality and attention to detail - to discerning consumers everywhere."

Don Barkley, Master Brewer, said, "I'm doing what I love to do - brewing great beer. Smoke and the whole Pelican team are my kind of people. They appreciate the importance of brewing beer right. At the same time, they bring scale and resources that will help Napa Smith reach many more thirsty consumers, something I'm passionate about!"

About Napa Smith Brewery

Napa Smith Brewery is located at the southern gateway to Napa Valley, just south of the town of Napa. Napa Valley is internationally known as a destination for those individuals who seek the best that life has to offer. Napa Smith is proud to contribute to the Napa tradition of hard work, craftsmanship, and artistry with the introduction of its unique family of beers. It creates its beers using proprietary recipes developed by Master Brewer Don Barkley - a veteran of 30+ years in the craft brewing industry. Much of the Napa's growth has been fueled by its Signature Series of beers. Offered in 4-packs, 22 oz bottles, and draught, Organic IPA and Lost Dog Red Ale have attracted national interest from both distributors and chains. Napa Smith Amber Ale, Napa Smith Pale Ale, and Napa Smith Lost Dog Red Ale are all recipients of gold medals at the California State Fair. www.napasmithbrewery.com

About Pelican Brands

Pelican Brands was formed to nurture and build brands in the global beverage alcohol space. Our portfolio includes incredible hand crafted wines, spirits and beer including Thailand's #1 export, Singha Beer. Pelican Brands' team and partners have extensive experience in the global beverage and consumer packaged goods industries. Pelican Brands is headquartered in Carmel, IN, and offices in the United Kingdom with a sales team covering the U.S. market. www.pelican-brands.com

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SOURCE Pelican Brands