How bad is it to support the giant brewing companies?

Question

I hate the fact that so much of the market is made up of these monopolies. What I want to know is, when a Miller buys a brewery does that brewery maintain any bit of independence or is it totally a part of Miller?

I was a little disturbed to learn that Blue Moon is owned by Coors, and that Coors deliberately keeps it a secret, that's the kind of thing I don't like, because in the end it's not a big deal where the beer comes from, but it must be if they care enough to hide the information right?

Answer 1

Blue Moon isn't "owned" by Coors, it IS Coors.  They invented it.  It's been around for years; I don't know why it has gained such sudden popularity recently.  They "own" Killians too, BTW.

I see nothing wrong with the macro-brewers.  Everyone has their own taste.  We don't all have to be drinking trappist beers from a 600 year old recipe.

Answer 2

If you like rice water, then not at all, I guess...

Answer 3

OK, so I won't purport to know economics like the back of my hand, but I have a better grasp on it than what's been offered.

Supporting a monopoly is guaranteed to limit competition in the market.  Look at computers -- your choices are Windows or Mac.  Yeah, there's dozens of types of Linux, but you never see them offered with a PC, even though they are FREE!  Or look at your Internet providers.  What are your choices? Cable, DSL, dialup.  Who gives you cable?  1 company.  They have a monopoly on your area.  What is the competition? DSL is slower, and would be more expensive if you got the same level of service.  What do they do with their profits?  Expand their monopoly.

So, what would Coors do with your Blue Moon money?  Expand their reach.  Buy other breweries.  Increase marketing.  Get blue moon into more stores.  Ultimately, your blue moon money turns into a way to get even more blue moon money.  

Where does this leave other breweries, like Dogfish Head, Buzzard's Bay, Harpoon, Stone, Rogue, Brooklyn, Ipswich, Ommegang, North Coast, Lost Abbey, Magic Hat, Long Trail, and Bear Republic?  Wouldn't they face the same problems that PC makers have with getting Linux to the end user?  Don't most people want the Windows PC (Bud, Miller, Coors, Corona)?

We live in a capitalist country, my friend.  Don't let the big dog win.

Answer 4

What are you a Communist?