Damm UK, the British subsidiary of the independent family-owned brewery S.A. Damm based in Barcelona, has reached an agreement to purchase the Old Speckled Hen beer brands from Greene King. This acquisition includes a collection of brands comprising Old Speckled Hen, Old Golden Hen, Old Crafty Hen, Old Master Hen, and Low Alcohol Old Speckled Hen.
During the transition, Greene King will continue to brew these brands at its Westgate Brewery. The production is slated to move to the Damm Eagle Brewery in Bedford after the transition phase.
Once the acquisition is finalized, the Old Speckled Hen range will remain accessible in off-trade channels, including major supermarkets throughout the UK and Greene King’s network of pubs.
Luke White, managing director of Damm UK, remarked: “Old Speckled Hen is an iconic British ale brand with a rich heritage and loyal following, and we are proud that Greene King has chosen Damm UK to take the brand forward into its next chapter.
“We have great respect for the history Greene King has built around Old Speckled Hen over the last 25 years and look forward to working closely together throughout the transition period to ensure continued success for the brand, customers and consumers alike.
“The brand not only complements the current portfolio range by adding another category to our offering but it also reconnects the Damm Eagle Brewery to its historic British beer and ale production roots.”
Greene King had acquired Old Speckled Hen back in 1999 from Morland.
Nick Mackenzie, CEO of Greene King, stated: “We are proud to have built Old Speckled Hen into one of the nation’s favourite ales over the last 25 years and are delighted to have secured a partner in Estrella Damm who will continue to brew the ales in the UK. We look forward to working closely in partnership with Damm and seeing Old Speckled Hen’s future success under their ownership.”
