Beavertown sells to Heineken
- Thread starter JonBrew
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Heineken bought Brand Beer in the Netherlands too and let them still do their own business, so it's not necessarily bad news.
JonBrew
Landlord.
I tend to agree with you. I have no issues with a brand like Beavertown choosing to expand by such means, however, I can understand and, to some extent, empathise with the opposing views of those who do.
I don't particularly care about these kinds of partnerships forming between craft and big beer (which some craft beer drinkers will find abhorrent) but I find them interesting, particularly how they divide opinion. It will be really interesting to see how this effects Beavertown's relationship with other brewers who are very anti-big beer, such as Brew Dog, particularly ahead of their Extravaganza beer festival later this year.
I don't particularly care about these kinds of partnerships forming between craft and big beer (which some craft beer drinkers will find abhorrent) but I find them interesting, particularly how they divide opinion. It will be really interesting to see how this effects Beavertown's relationship with other brewers who are very anti-big beer, such as Brew Dog, particularly ahead of their Extravaganza beer festival later this year.
Sad news. It's not necessarily that Beavertown will be forced to cut costs and produce ***** beer, that's not why big macro brewers buy into them. The point is that Heineken want's a slice of the craft beer market because it is growing strongly and Beavertown are probably a good investment. The problem comes from the fact that Heineken can then use its distribution might to muscle out other craft beer producers from the shop shelves. This leads to less choice for craft beer consumers and less chance for small producers to get a toehold. Up to now, I've really only seen Beavertown beers in proper bottle shops or on tap. I bet you will start seeing them in your local supermarket soon too. Same with Brixton Brewery, another great craft brewery that's just sold a stake to Heineken.
I don't necessarily blame these breweries, they are businesses and if someone waves a chequebook at you, it's hard to resist. I hope it doesn't result in a decline in the quality of the beer as they do make some crackers.
I don't necessarily blame these breweries, they are businesses and if someone waves a chequebook at you, it's hard to resist. I hope it doesn't result in a decline in the quality of the beer as they do make some crackers.
MickDundee
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It’s a minority stake (at the moment at least) so they haven’t sold to Heineken so to speak.
Logan Plant reckons he and his wife are still in control so if that’s the case it’s win-win - Beavertown get a cash injection to help expansion whilst keeping control and Heineken get a share of future profits in the craft beer industry.
Logan Plant reckons he and his wife are still in control so if that’s the case it’s win-win - Beavertown get a cash injection to help expansion whilst keeping control and Heineken get a share of future profits in the craft beer industry.
I think the point is that many people won't want there money going to Heineken even if Beavertown get to retain control. Also that Heineken will use it's power to squeeze small producers out of the national distribution networks.
"Plant has also indicated that, if requested, Heineken would be willing to provide Beavertown with avenues to market via its distribution network."
JonBrew
Landlord.
Cloudwater have just pulled out of the Extravaganza event which will also mean no more colabs.
Interesting to see the reaction to this. I think if they did go down the private investment route (like brewdog did?) they wouldn't have got no one near as much stick for it. It's the getting into bed with one of the enemies that upsets craft beer enthusiasts.
I certainly won't be purchasing anymore beavertown beers. But I wouldn't judge anyone for still carrying on enjoying their admittedly excellent range of beers.
I certainly won't be purchasing anymore beavertown beers. But I wouldn't judge anyone for still carrying on enjoying their admittedly excellent range of beers.
Surprised brewdog haven't jumped on it yet. All quiet on their Twitter page, usually they do something ceremonial like take the letters down spelling out the 'offending' breweries beer in one of their bars.
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?The bottle shoo near work has just announced it will not be stocking anymore Beavertown
Just for the sake of argument, isn't this a good thing - craft beer becoming more widely available in the supermarkets rather than having to go out of your way to find them in specialist shops seems a bonus to me!
The long term issue is then those specialist shops disappear and the supermarkets can put the squeeze on the breweries to make the beer cheaper and quality and variety go out the window.
I really am just playing devil's advocate here...
If a small number of decent beers get some wider recognition amongst the muggles and they have a greater opportunity to sample something that isn't Europop, might that not lead them to explore a wider variety of beer styles and visit these specialist shops? I would imagine that's what happened to some people through the likes of Brewdog beers, which have been stocked in Sainsburys for ages.
Braufather
Landlord.
As mainstream lagers go, heineken is quite decent. It’s the only lager I buy when I fancy a change from pale ales and IPAs . I like that they don’t sell the franchise and it’s all brewed in Holland. ( I believe that’s the case?)
As long as they don’t try to bastardise it good luck to them. As has been said having craft beer in supermarkets can only help growth of craft beers.
As long as they don’t try to bastardise it good luck to them. As has been said having craft beer in supermarkets can only help growth of craft beers.
'Craft' beer, grrrrrr. Hope it all goes t**ts up for them. It's beer, plain and simple.
craft
krɑːft/
noun
- an activity involving skill in making things by hand.
Lol! And besides, all my beer really is produced by hand but I wouldn't dream of calling it 'craft beer'. What a truly shocking term. Drop that horrendous marketing ploy and I'll support them all the way... if I could forgive them. That goes to the rest of the motley bunch who flog under the 'craft' banner. Excuse me whilst I nip out for a 'farmhouse' loaf. Made in a real tiny, quaint farmhouse in the middle of nowhere with sheep an' stuff milling around outside the door. Not.
@Chippy_Tea - can you change Gunge's "Regular" status to "Craft Brewer" and not allow him to change it back?
@Chippy_Tea - can you change Gunge's "Regular" status to "Craft Brewer" and not allow him to change it back?
I could but as he hasn't had a drink in a while i think i best not.
I could but as he hasn't had a drink in a while i think i best not.
Lol. Stuff the doc's restraining order. I'm at it as usual and if he questions my sobriety over the past month, I'll deny everything. But I'm grateful that he's ordered me to have next week off. that'll be five and right now I'm having the life of Riley!
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