UK: Heineken acquires full ownership of London’s Brixton Brewery

Heineken has acquired full ownership of London’s Brixton Brewery, following the acquisition of a minority stake in 2017, BeverageDaily.com reported on February 2.

Brixton Brewery was founded in 2013 by two local couples who met in a Brixton bar and shared a passion for the emerging London beer scene.

Starting life with one employee and mainly making deliveries on foot around Brixton Market, the 2017 investment from Heineken funded a purpose-built brewery and kept the brewery’s original railway arches site as a tap room and experimental brewery.

The company now employs 25 people, and its brand is based on the Brixton community, such as naming beers after local landmarks.

Jez Galaun, founder of Brixton Brewery, said the business has built a strong relationship with Heineken over the last three years and benefited from the Dutch multinational company’s expertise.

“When we look back over the past seven years, we honestly can’t believe how far we’ve come – from home brewing to starting a small brewery, to building a highly recognisable community-based brand, with a large new brewery and Tap Room. It makes us want to dream even bigger for the next seven.

“We will still manage the brewery and have creative control over the brand and the beers we brew. The partnership means we can lean on Heineken’s expertise and routes to market, meaning more people across the UK can get a taste of Brixton."

“Over the past three years we have benefitted from the Heineken team’s expertise and market reach, and we want to build on it. There’s no denying the fact that the next few years will be challenging for many reasons, so we’re happy to have the opportunity to secure the future of Brixton Brewery for our families, our team, our community and fans of our beers, who’ve been hugely supportive of our success so far.”

Under Heineken, Brixton Brewery will continue to operate as a separate entity with the founders staying in charge of day-to-day management and creative direction. Heineken says it will help develop retail opportunities, support with supply chain expertise, and facilitate collaborations.

02 February, 2021