Damm UK acquires Old Speckled Hen from Greene King
Damm UK, the British arm of Barcelona-based S.A. Damm, has acquired the Old Speckled Hen family of beer brands from Greene King. Jessica Mason speaks to Damm UK to find out more.
The deal to acquire the well-known British ale brand is set to include: Old Speckled Hen, Old Golden Hen, Old Crafty Hen, Old Master Hen and Low Alcohol Old Speckled Hen.
The plan for where it will be brewed
During the transition process for the deal, the plan is for each of the Old Speckled Hen ale brands to initially continue to be brewed at Greene King’s Westgate Brewery, but only during the handover period to “ensure continuity of supply and consistency of quality”. Following this, the brewer has confirmed that brewing is scheduled to move to the Damm Eagle Brewery in Bedford thereafter.
Speaking to the drinks business, Damm UK managing director Luke White said: “Following recent investment in the Damm Eagle Brewery in Bedford we’re strengthening our offering by adding one of Britain’s most iconic, heritage ale brands to the portfolio. This not only means continuity for The Old Speckled Hen brands, but it reconnects the Damm Eagle Brewery with its roots in British beer and ale production, which is so meaningful to the British public.”
White told db: “Once the transition period is over, the Old Speckled Hen family of brands will be brewed at the Damm Eagle Brewery in Bedford. This is a strategic decision for us, given the strength of the UK market and this being one of the most important markets to Damm internationally.”
‘A new era’
According to Damm UK, this agreement marks “a new era” for Old Speckled Hen brand and illustrates how the relationship between the brewers has grown, with the Estrella Damm owner having become central to the discussions connected to securing a solid future for the much-loved ale.
Following completion of the purchase, Damm has assured that the Old Speckled Hen brands will continue to be available in the off-trade, including major supermarkets across the UK as well as Greene King’s pub estate.
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White highlighted how: “Old Speckled Hen is an iconic British ale brand with a rich heritage and loyal following, and we are proud that Greene King has chosen Damm UK to take the brand forward into its next chapter.”
He also noted that Damm UK has “great respect for the history Greene King has built around Old Speckled Hen over the last 25 years” and added that he looks forward to “working closely together throughout the transition period to ensure continued success for the brand, customers and consumers alike”.
White also pointed out that “the brand not only complements the current portfolio range by adding another category to our offering but it also reconnects the Damm Eagle Brewery to its historic British beer and ale production roots”.
Greene King acquired Old Speckled Hen back in 1999 from Morland and has since grown it into one of the nation’s most recognised ales.
Primed for future success
Discussing the acquisition, Greene King CEO Nick Mackenzie added: “We are proud to have built Old Speckled Hen into one of the nation’s favourite ales over the last 25 years and are delighted to have secured a partner in Estrella Damm who will continue to brew the ales in the UK. We look forward to working closely in partnership with Damm and seeing Old Speckled Hen’s future success under their ownership.”
According to Damm, the acquisition reinforces the company’s long-term commitment to the UK market following its purchase of the Eagle Brewery in Bedford in 2022 and subsequent investment in the site.
Additionally, this deal comes during the independent family brewer’s 150th anniversary year, reflecting the family-owned independent company’s continued focus on brewing excellence, authenticity and what it calls “long-term brand stewardship”.
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