Privately held brewer Pabst Brewing Company (PBC) will import the products of Mexico-based craft brewer Cerveza Minerva (Minerva) to the US.

Terms of the deal have not been disclosed.

Minerva’s co-founder and sales director Michele Barbosa said: “We are thrilled to partner with Pabst Brewing Company to extend our distribution to the US.

"We are thrilled to partner with Pabst Brewing Company to extend our distribution to the US."

“The US has seen tremendous growth in Mexican imports, and we are eager to leverage Pabst’s strong sales platform and innovative grass roots marketing efforts to introduce our brands to American consumers.

"PBC is an iconic beer company, and we look forward to joining their diverse portfolio of distinctive brands.”

In 2017, PBC will commence distribution of a select number of Minerva’s brands. The firm intends to test initially on small markets and then expand to national distribution.

PBC chief executive officer Simon Thorpe said: “A critical piece of PBC’s strategy is to build our international brand portfolio with high-end, innovative craft brands.

“Many of our distributors and key retailers have recommended we add a Mexican craft beer to our offerings, and Minerva’s highly specialised beer makes it the perfect fit for us.

"We are proud to partner with Minerva, a trailblazer in Mexican craft beer, and are eager to bring their authentic brews to the States.”

Founded in 2002, Cerveza Minerva currently produces 20,000 hectoliters of beer annually and retails in 25 Mexican states.

PBC produces brands such as Pabst Blue Ribbon, Lone Star, Rainier, Ballantine IPA, Schlitz, Old Style, National Bohemian, Stag, Stroh’s, and Old Milwaukee.