Cape May Brewing Co. announced April 25 it is acquiring fellow New Jersey craft brewer Flying Fish Brewing Co.

In a press release announcing the move, Cape May Brewing says the acquisition is a strategic investment that would significantly increase the company’s manufacturing and warehouse space, boost annual production capacity, and add manufacturing capabilities to support the expansion of its product portfolio.

Cape May Brewing also noted that the acquisition represents the union of two brands that have helped chart the course for craft brewing here in the great Garden State, with a shared foundation of entrepreneurial spirit, strong local pride, passion for innovation, and a deep appreciation for brand fans.

“This is a massive milestone for both Cape May and Flying Fish, who we’ve long admired as a true pioneer of craft brewing in the Garden State since its founding in 1995,” said Ryan Krill, Cape May Brewing CEO and co-founder, in a press release. “We are thrilled to expand our product portfolio and are approaching this acquisition with a focus on our core values, passion for brewing, and commitment to serving our customers with the highest quality brews.”

Flying Fish was founded in Cherry Hill by Gene Mueller, naming it for the constellation in the Southern Hemisphere that represents exploration and adventure. The company’s steady growth led to it outstripping its capacity at a production brewery in Cherry Hill, so a new location was secured in nearby Somerdale. That facility includes 463 solar panels, solar tube lighting in the warehouse, recaptured stream in the brewing process, and rain gardens on the property that make it one of the most sustainable breweries in the world. It also features a Tasting Room with 15 taps and weekly one-off and barrel aged beers.

Flying Fish beers are 10-time medal winners at the Great American Beer Festival – the most of any New Jersey brewery.

As part of the agreement, Flying Fish will continue to be distributed by its wholesale distributor partners. Cape May will continue to operate at its existing location inside the Cape May Airport Complex, utilizing its Cape Beverage Distributing Network throughout the state as well as wholesale distributor partnerships in Pennsylvania and Delaware. Cape May’s facility features its own Tasting Room – one of the largest and most accessible in the state – which includes a Brewtanical Garden during the summer season.

“We are excited for these new opportunities, and grateful for the teams and fans of both brands who have supported the New Jersey craft beer community over the years,” Krill added. “This may be a brand-new chapter in our company history, but it’s one that is rooted in the same values that have driven our commitment to quality, people, and refreshing brews since our founding in 2011.”