Brookfield Drinks, the UK-based drinks supplier, has acquired the Crabbie’s alcoholic ginger beer brand from Halewood Artisanal Spirits, according to trade reports.
Crabbie’s, which dates back to Edinburgh in 1801, is reported to be the world’s leading alcoholic ginger beer brand. Manufactured using a six-week ginger-steeping process, the product lineup includes the core alcoholic ginger beer alongside raspberry and blood orange variants, as well as an alcoholic ginger wine.
Nigel McNally, founder of Brookfield Drinks and former managing director of Wells & Young’s, stated that the acquisition represents a major opportunity within the flavour-led alcoholic drinks market. McNally noted: “Crabbie’s is a must stock product within the fast growing fruit/flavoured beer market. The brand has outstanding heritage and awareness, not only within the UK but internationally as well”. The acquisition complements Brookfield Drinks’ Rubis fruit beer range. Brookfield Drinks stated that the fruit and flavoured beer category is growing at 30% year on year.
Stewart Hainsworth, CEO of Halewood Artisanal Spirits, commented that the sale aligns with the company’s spirits-focused artisanal brand strategy. Brookfield Drinks confirmed plans to significantly increase marketing investment behind Crabbie’s across UK retail, hospitality and export markets.
Source: Asian Trader / Grocery Trader
