Athletic Brewing Co. Named in Fast Company’s First Annual List of “Brands That Matter”

November 4, 2021

New recognition program honors companies and nonprofits that give people compelling reasons to care about them—and offer inspiration for others to buy in

San Diego, CA., (November 4, 2021) – Fast Company recently announced its first annual Brands That Matter list, honoring brands that do more than sell products or provide services. These companies and nonprofits have achieved relevance through cultural impact and social engagement, and authentically communicated their missions and ideals.

The final list, which includes large multinational conglomerates, small-but-mighty companies and nonprofits, recognizes 95 brands that give people compelling reasons to care about them—and offer inspiration for others to buy in. All 95 have found an ability to forge an emotional connection with customers, whether leading on the environment or pop culture, engaging B2B customers, or responding meaningfully to current events.

All brands that applied were considered for overall recognition. Plus, there were additional honorees on category-specific lists based on region, size, and status.

“Fast Company is excited to highlight companies and organizations that have built brands with deep meaning and connections to the customers they serve. At a time when consumers are holding companies to very high standards, businesses have much to learn from these brands that have garnered respect and trust,” says Stephanie Mehta, editor-in-chief of Fast Company.

“Our team has worked diligently to create a brand that is about living an active, healthy and celebratory lifestyle, without compromise, but also to create opportunities for redefining the beer and brewing space, and give back to the community in doing so,” said Athletic Brewing CEO and founder, Bill Shufelt. “To be recognized by Fast Company as one of the ‘Brands That Matter’ is a phenomenal achievement, and Athletic Brewing could not be prouder to be named alongside some incredibly inspiring and innovative companies.”

Athletic Brewing is proud to share its most notable achievements for 2021, including its position as a leader in the revolution of the non-alcoholic beer category, a full sweep of podium placements in the US Open of Beer, World Beer Awards, International Beer Challenge and Great American Beer Festival (GABF), to name a few, across the brewery’s portfolio, and the brand’s donation on $1MM to public lands and trail maintenance grantees in its Two for the Trails program.

Fast Company editors judged each brand on relevancy, cultural impact, ingenuity, and business impact to compile the list.

Click here to see the complete list.

The November issue of Fast Company magazine is available online now and will be on newsstands beginning November 2, 2021.

About Fast Company

Fast Company is the only media brand fully dedicated to the vital intersection of business, innovation, and design, engaging the most influential leaders, companies, and thinkers on the future of business. The editor-in-chief is Stephanie Mehta. Headquartered in New York City, Fast Company is published by Mansueto Ventures LLC, along with our sister publication, Inc., and can be found online at fastcompany.com.

About Athletic Brewing

Athletic Brewing Company is reimagining beer for the modern, active adult. The brand’s great-tasting craft brews provide a refreshing taste of craft beer, without the alcohol. With custom breweries on the east and west coasts, Athletic’s lineup has earned accolades throughout the industry, even against full-strength beers, including the 2020 World Beer Award Gold medal for Run Wild. With impact and giving back core to the brands DNA, Athletic Brewing’s “Two for the Trails” initiative donates 2% of all sales to trail and park cleanups and maintenance. Plus, as a part of their IMPACT Program, 1% of revenue goes to non-profit organizations that support positive impact and opportunity from the ground up in their communities. Athletic Brewing’s full portfolio of flagships, seasonal, and specialty beers is available for purchase on its website, www.athleticbrewing.com, as well as the company’s subscription offering – The Athletic Club.