ST. LOUIS, MO – William K Busch Brewing Company celebrates its first anniversary this month with strong momentum as its Kräftig Light brand becomes the fastest growing premium light beer in the market, and company growth is estimated to have achieved one percent of the St. Louis market in just 12 months.
“My goal one year ago was to start a company that would keep the Busch family brewing legacy alive in St. Louis,” said William K. Busch, president and chief executive officer. “My family worked hard for 150 years to build and grow in this community and I couldn’t imagine it any other way.”
What sets Kräftig Lager and Kräftig Light apart from other brands in the industry is Reinheitsgebot (RHINE-heights-geh-boat), the German Beer Purity Law that is a tradition older than America. Created 500 years ago, Reinheitsgebot is the oldest consumer protection law in the world. Reinheitsgebot requires that only four ingredients be used when brewing beer – water, barley, yeast and hops, and it’s the way that William K Busch Brewing Company brews its beers to ensure pure flavor.
The Reinheitsgebot Purity Law is why Kräftig Lager and Kräftig Light have already won three prestigious industry awards in their first year – a Gold Medal in the American Light Category at the U.S. Open Beer Championship, a People’s Choice Award at the Missouri Brewfest, and a Bronze Medal in American Lager Category at the Los Angeles International Commercial Beer Competition.
“As the beer industry evolves, I am committed to Reinheitsgebot and making beer the way it was intended with no corn or rice fillers,” said Busch. “I also have chosen to utilize Hallertau hops versus less expensive hops being used by other brewers of premium lager and light beer. The benefit to beer drinkers of brands produced under the German Purity Law is brands with pure flavor. Kräftig Lager and Kräftig Light are the only premium brands in the United States brewed under the Purity Law Standard.”
“This first year has exceeded my expectations and I certainly could not have enjoyed the success without the support of our retailers and consumers who are selling and purchasing our brands. I thank them for their business,” added Busch.
Given its early success following the launch of the 12 and 24-ounce cans last summer, William K Busch Brewing plans to continue its growth with the launch of Kräftig Lager and Kräftig Light 30-packs next month. To celebrate, Kräftig Facebook fans will have a chance to win Kräftig prizes and other highly sought-after gear during a “30 Days of December” Facebook campaign. All Facebook fans 21 and older will have the chance to win by “liking” the Kräftig Facebook page and actively participating throughout the month.
“We sell a lot of brands in our store and a nearly one percent share in its first year in the market is unheard of,” said Gary Bilder, owner of Lukas Liquor in Ellisville, MO. “We really enjoy William K Busch Brewing Company’s great beer and are proud to be part of their initial success,” added Joe Finn, owner of Pat’s Bar & Grill in St. Louis’ Dogtown.
For more information or to participate in “30 Days of December,” please visit www.Kraftig.com or Facebook.com/EnjoyKraftig.
About William K Busch Brewing Company
The William K Busch Brewing Company was established in 2011 by William K Busch, whose family legacy in the beer business dates back to the mid-1800’s when Adolphus A Busch opened a small brewery in St. Louis, Missouri. With its two brands, Kräftig Lager and Kräftig Light, this St. Louis-based company is not associated with ABInBev or any of its affiliates, and is the new chapter in the Busch family brewing story. For more information, please visit www.Kraftig.com or Facebook.com/EnjoyKraftig.
