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Asahi buys Aussie brewer

Independent Distillers, a wholly owned subsidiary of Japanese beverage giant Asahi, has snapped up local brewer Cricketers Arms as it expands its footprint in the local market.

In a statement Independent Distillers and Asahi Premium Beverages CEO Greg Ellery said the craft beer was a perfect addition to the group's portfolio.

 

“As our company continues its drive to enhance its business model across the total alcohol beverage sector, the acquisition of Cricketers Arms bolts on perfectly to the expansion of our on-premise and total beer offering, providing our company with the impetus to become a much larger player,” he said.

 

The deal marks the first beer acquisition by Independent Distillers since it was acquired by Asahi in September 2011.

 

Along with the Cricketers Arms move Ellery said the group would be on the hunt for more acquisitions, and the growth strategy had strong support from Asahi.

 

"Our beer / cider portfolio is now very powerful, covering off most sectors of the market — Asahi Super Dry in the super premium segment, Kingfisher in the mid-priced International sector, Cricketers Arms in the mainstream craft and of course Somersby for imported cider,” he said.

 

Cricketers CEO Paul Scott said the acquisition marked an “exciting time” for the craft brewer, and the company was working on expanding its product range and market share.

 

Along with the new purchase, Ellery said Independent Distillers was undertaking a major upgrade of its facility in Laverton.

 

“To be completed by September, this upgrade includes investment in a brand new, high speed and high volume keg line, new fermentation vessels and a new yeast propagation plant incorporating all relevant infrastructures,” he said.

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