SIBA reinstates two breweries for the first time

The Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) has reinstated Magic Rock and Fourpure as members — a first for the organisation — after their sale from Kirin Brewery Company subsidiary Lion meant they could claim back their independent status.

Lion sold Fourpure and Magic Rock to Kent-based Odyssey Inns Ltd in August 2022. The sale, which included the breweries and taprooms in London, Huddersfield and Holmfirth and the Little Creatures craft beer hospitality venue in Kings Cross, was as a result of Lion’s intention to focus more on its businesses in Australia, New Zealand and the US.

The breweries are now part of new independent brewing group In Good Company Limited, meaning they were able to reclaim their independent status and be reinstated by SIBA.

This is the first time in SIBA history that a brewery has been given back its membership, a move which will allow the breweries to access “valuable resources”, Steve Cox, chief executive officer of In Good Company, said.

“As independent breweries, Magic Rock and Fourpure value the support that SIBA provides. We believe that it’s important for them to be reinstated as members of SIBA, as it allows us to connect with like-minded brewers,” he said. “We’re continuing to look at ways of how contribute to the vibrant craft beer community and it’s a step in the right direction to do it as a SIBA member.”

Andy Slee, SIBA chief executive, added: “SIBA are delighted to welcome back former members Fourpure and Magic Rock, who under their new ownership are now once again eligible for membership and for entry into SIBA competitions. I want to wish them both a warm welcome back to the fold, and to congratulate Magic Rock who picked up two Gold awards at their inaugural SIBA North East Independent Beer Awards last week.”