UK: Caledonian Brewery has acquired the Harviestoun Brewery in Alva, Scotland

The Caldeonian Brewing Company (CBC) announced on January 30 it has acquired the Harviestoun Brewery in Alva, near Stirling, in Scotland.

Stephen Crawley, Managing Director of the award winning Caledonian Brewing Company, said, “The Harviestoun portfolio fits perfectly into our range. It includes the famous Bitter & Twisted, CAMRA’s Champion Beer of Britain in 2003. The success and growth achieved by founder Ken Brooker mirrors that of Caledonian. Caledonian’s own beers have grown rapidly. In particular Deuchars IPA, which was also a Champion Beer of Britain in 2002, has become a desired, special product in many parts of the UK.

“We will continue to brew Harviestoun’s beers with the pride that they have always demonstrated. Over the last two years, Caledonian has developed an excellent national sales and distribution network. We will make sure that lovers of quality beer will benefit from the increased availability of these superb Harviestoun products.

“We will keep the excellent Alva Brewery in full production and are delighted to retain the skilled workforce. Indeed, in due course we plan to expand at Alva.”

Ken Brooker, who produced Harviestoun’s first brew back in 1985, said, “I am delighted that Caledonian will be taking over the brewery. They know the industry inside out and are passionately committed to producing quality cask conditioned beer. I couldn’t have wished for a better scenario. I have enjoyed every moment of creating and developing a brewery which basically started off as a hobby and I’m pleased to leave it in Caledonian’s professional and capable hands.”

31 January, 2006