Four Peaks Brewing Co: Covid-19 Hits the Brewing Industry

Four Peaks Brewing Company, a business case study written by Megan Hahn, is a case study thematic to supply chain management. Framed as supplement learning material, this case study gives students the chance to understand real-life business scenarios. This case enables its readers to analyze business issues from a variety of perspectives and apply critical thinking and problem solving skills providing invaluable understanding of different supply chain management concepts and strategies. This case tells the tale of Four Peaks Brewing Co, an Arizona brewery recently acquired by Anheuser-Busch, facing an aluminum shortage and an influx of demand brought on by shifting consumer habits during the COVID-19 pandemic. This case provides an opportunity to explore the important role of sourcing and procurement in a low-margin, high demand, complex beverage production system. Differing from supply chain cases about technology or car manufacturing firms, the food/beverage industry introduces new levels of supply chain risk and complexity. Requiring the use of supply chain strategy, understanding supply constraints in multi-echelon supply systems, and inventory concepts, Four Peaks Brewing Co. allows students to apply conceptual material learned in class to an interesting and relevant real-life example. Central to this case is Denise’s decision on which can supplier to choose for the new product, the Sun Day seltzer. With differing lead times, costs, and time pressures, students are provided the opportunity to evaluate the important tradeoffs supply chain professionals face.