After some pretty extensive research, the University of Arizona has made its decision and chosen to partner with Pueblo Vida Brewing Company as their craft alcohol licensee. This means that Pueblo Vida Brewing will begin releasing University of Arizona craft beer products in the fall/winter of 2023.
Earlier this year, the university announced a request for proposal looking for a craft alcohol licensee partner that would expand the geographic presence of a university-branded product and increase long-term brand value, while enhancing the scholastic mission of Arizona. That partnership was found in Pueblo Vida Brewing due to its product quality, community outreach, and brand recognition.
The university also recognizes Pueblo Vida’s team as having the experience and expertise in creating unique and thoughtful community collaborations — just a few of the ways the brewery amplifies the brand.
Arizona alumni, Linette Antillon and Kyle Jefferson founded Pueblo Vida Brewing with a couple of things in mind when they first started nearly 10 years ago: to pump out high-quality craft beer and be a positive and meaningful member of the Tucson community.
“What an incredible honor to be chosen as a brand partner by the University of Arizona,” said Jefferson, co-owner of Pueblo Vida Brewing. He and Antillon both share a deep love and connection to Tucson and have made it their home since graduating from the University of Arizona in 2009.
“As a local Tucson brewery, it’s a dream to be entrusted with representing our storied university,” he continued. “We can’t wait to create a beer, or series of beers, that highlight the connections between the University of Arizona, its world-renowned departments, and our Tucson community.”
For the university, this exciting new product category is a collaboration across the institution led by Marc Acuña, Senior Director, Alumni and Student Engagement. He knows that this partnership is a long-term collaboration as Arizona grows its licensed consumables portfolio.
“We are so excited for the opportunity to work with Pueblo Vida, which is deeply rooted in the Tucson community, understands the pride of being Wildcats for Life, and can proudly tell the story of Tucson and the University of Arizona,” he said.
Acuña is a Tucson native and has worked on campus with the Alumni team since 2010. His rich knowledge of the Tucson and university communities and their traditions makes him the perfect candidate to connect past, present, and future Wildcat Pride with Arizona’s licensing program.
“This is a true collaboration that will continue to unite the Tucson and university communities together through thoughtful and unique products,” said Acuña.
So, later this year, keep an eye out for an exclusive beer (the first of many more to come) from Pueblo Vida Brewing, which will be available at the taproom as well as many other retailers across Tucson and Phoenix.
Pueblo Vida Brewing Company is located at 115 E. Broadway Blvd. For more information, visit pueblovidabrewing.com.
