NuZee Partners with Stone Brewing

NuZee, a coffee co-packing and technology company, has entered into a five-year global licensing agreement with Stone Brewing, a craft brewery sold in all 50 states and internationally in more than 40 countries. 

Under the exclusive agreement, NuZee intends to co-manufacture and distribute Stone Brewing specialty coffee products nationwide through a network of natural grocery, traditional grocery, convenience store channels, office coffee and hotel brokers and distributors. NuZee plans to directly market the specialty coffee line to craft beverage customers worldwide on a dedicated website, Stoneroasting.com. The product line is expected to launch in Q3 2023.

NuZee will produce a full line of specialty coffee products, including its proprietary single-serve DRIPKIT pour-overs, single-serve brew bags, whole bean 12-oz. coffee bags and industrial compostable capsules, all to be branded under the Stone name. Previously, NuZee provided Stone with seasonal coffees corresponding with special-release beers. The new line of coffee will adopt the branding and flavor characteristics of three of Stone’s most popular brands: Stone Arrogant Bastard Ale, Stone Buenaveza Salt & Lime Lager and Stone Xocoveza. 

“We are delighted to build upon the success of our past collaborations and expand our partnership with our San Diego neighbors at Stone,” says Masa Higashida, chief executive officer, NuZee. “Our team will capitalize on the remarkable brand recognition and expand the influence of the Stone brand, synergizing it with our exceptional coffees and coffee-related offerings. We believe this agreement will drive significant revenue growth, significantly increasing shareholder value. We look forward to serving Stone’s expansive consumer audience and effectively driving long-term shareholder value.”

“There is a definite overlap in what attracts people to craft beer and coffee,” says Erin Smith, senior vice president, marketing, Stone Brewing. “Quality, intention and passion are what our fans seek, and we’re confident that this new line of first-class specialty coffees will be an exciting new way for them to enjoy the Stone brand.”