AB-InBev buys stake in Shanghai’s Boxing Cat brewery

At first it was a rumour in Chinese media only and as AB-InBev was not available for comment to Brauwelt International, we refused to carry it. But as AB-InBev eventually confirmed it to Forbes magazine, we knew it had to be true.

In early March 2017, AB-InBev bought a stake in Shanghai’s craft brewer Boxing Cat for an undisclosed sum. Founded by the restaurateur Kelley Lee and business partner Lee Tseng in 2008, Boxing Cat’s success has seen two more venues open and its beers on taps in many bars around the city.

Boxing Cat co-founder Ms Lee explained her excitement over the acquisition to local blogs, saying that, with the access to the “incredible resources” that come with AB-InBev, Boxing Cat will be able to continue to spread the gospel of good quality Chinese craft beer.

Following the acquisition, AB-InBev will assume all brewing operations and management of Boxing Cat’s three venues, it was reported.

The move comes after AB-InBev’s purchase of Kaiba, a chain of Belgian beer cafes and tap houses with three branches in Shanghai and the opening of a Goose Island brewpub in February 2017.

Shanghai’s 220-seat, 30-tap Goose Island Brewhouse is spread over two floors and 1,200 sqm with an annual brewing capacity of 2,500 hl. The beer programme – which will include collaborative, experimental and barrel-aged brews in addition to the brand’s signatures – is headed by Fraser Kennedy, once of Dr Beer in Shanghai, blogs say.