The beverage alcohol technology sector is consolidating as Next Glass, a global provider of software and eCommerce solutions, has announced its acquisition of Ekos, the leading supply chain management platform for craft beverage producers. This strategic move brings together two major players dedicated to digitizing and connecting the global beverage industry. In a significant commitment to customer support, Next Glass has immediately instituted a two-year price freeze for all existing Ekos users.
Quick Intel
Next Glass acquires Ekos, the leading supply chain management software for craft beverage producers.
A immediate 2-year price freeze is announced for all existing Ekos customers.
The acquisition unites Ekos's ERP strengths with Next Glass's Ollie platform and eCommerce capabilities.
Future integration plans include merging B2B ordering platforms and connecting to Untappd for Business.
The combined team possesses over 180 years of hands-on beverage industry experience.
This move aims to create a seamless global network connecting producers, retailers, and consumers.
Strategic Unification for Industry Growth
This acquisition represents a major step in creating a more connected ecosystem for beverage alcohol. Ekos is renowned for its robust production, inventory, and sales management software, serving over 1,200 craft breweries, distilleries, cideries, and wineries. By integrating Ekos with its own Ollie platform, which serves nearly 600 producers, Next Glass aims to build a comprehensive operational backbone for the industry.
A Commitment to Customer Value and Product Investment
A central pillar of the announcement is the immediate two-year price freeze for Ekos customers, a direct response to ongoing industry pressures. "Amidst persistent inflationary and supply chain pressures over the past several years, we want to be a good partner to the industry by providing pricing certainty and relief," said Trace Smith, CEO of Next Glass. He confirmed that beyond price stability, significant investments are being made to enhance the Ekos product experience for all users.
Leveraging Combined Expertise for Future Innovation
The merger brings together teams with deep, practical experience in the beverage sector. The leadership from both companies emphasized the value of this shared domain expertise in driving future product development. "The Next Glass and Ekos teams have over 180 years of combined experience working in breweries, wineries, and distilleries," said Matt Downing, VP of Product at Ekos. This hands-on knowledge will be channeled into optimizing B2B ordering, supply chain management, and creating a seamless payments platform. Kent Rowe, CEO of Ekos, added, "Joining forces with Next Glass marks an exciting new chapter for Ekos. Their deep industry expertise and shared commitment to innovation make them the ideal partner to accelerate our mission."
The acquisition of Ekos by Next Glass signals a new era of integrated technology solutions for the craft beverage industry. By combining powerful software platforms and a vast pool of industry talent, the unified company is poised to drive unprecedented efficiency and connectivity for producers and retailers worldwide.
About Next Glass
Founded in 2013, Next Glass provides software, data, marketing, and eCommerce solutions that connect producers, retailers, and consumers in the global beverage industry. It serves consumers, retailers, and brewers, including:
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