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.
Article written by:
Matt Sterner
More about MattAt a very young age, Matt Sterner was gifted with the artistic ability to masterfully roll a burrito to the highest of standards, but the wrapped medley of delicious innards wasn’t his first love. Matt’s first true love was a combination of reading, writing, and creating. He grew up reading comics, the ingredients list of his shampoo and conditioner bottles, choose-your-own-adventure books, and the Scrabble dictionary — something he found useful when challenging his grandmother to a game.
He attended college at New Mexico State University and graduated with a degree in Digital Filmmaking. One of his favorite classes was screenwriting because he became responsible for the story’s birth before it came to life on-screen. After school, Matt took on numerous positions at a local television station in Tucson. From dealing out stories about heartbreak to producing “fluffier” content for a lifestyle broadcast, he learned what it takes to adapt to the many emotions the world of media can stir. Since 2017, Matt has dabbled in the culinary world of Tucson as well as San Diego, California from time to time.
If you’re in the mood for strange stories, head over to his pride and joy, wonkytimes.com. And in case you’re curious — yes, after all of this time, he still manages to roll a killer burrito.
