Founded in 1991 by Kim Jordan and Jeff Lebesch in Fort Collins, Colorado, the brewery has expanded its operations to include Asheville, North Carolina, and Denver, Colorado.
New Belgium is celebrated for its flagship offerings such as Fat Tire Amber Ale, Voodoo Ranger IPA, Mural Agua Fresca Cerveza, and La Folie Sour Brown Ale, alongside a range of regular and seasonal beer varieties. The inspiration for Fat Tire Amber Ale came from a memorable bicycle trip through Belgium, where one of the co-founders explored different breweries.
The brewery’s commitment to its local community is evident through its distinctive marketing approach. Colorful vintage bicycles are placed outside the Fort Collins brewery, situated near the public bike path along the Cache La Poudre River, serving as eye-catching symbols of the brand.
Over the years, New Belgium has experienced significant growth. From initially distributing in 16 states, it has expanded its reach to become the fourth-largest craft brewer in the United States and the eighth-largest overall brewer by 2015. The company’s dedication to employee ownership is another defining aspect of its culture. Since 2000, New Belgium has operated as an employee-owned company through an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), fostering a collaborative environment and a strong sense of ownership among its workforce.
In addition to its U.S. presence, New Belgium’s beers are distributed internationally, reaching markets in Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, Sweden, and Norway. In 2019, the brewery was acquired by Lion, an Australian subsidiary of the Kirin beverage group, further solidifying its global presence.
With its main brewery located in Fort Collins and an additional facility in Asheville, New Belgium has garnered recognition for its quirky corporate culture, commitment to employee well-being, and innovative brewing practices. The company’s dedication to producing high-quality beers and its unique approach to business have earned it accolades and a loyal following among beer enthusiasts worldwide.