The partnership aims to enable Hofmeister to leverage Keystone’s on and off-trade distribution network and to triple the lager’s production output over the next three years.
Hofmeister’s range includes Helles Lager (5% ABV), and wheat beer Weisse (5.1%) while its expansion into the low and no market has seen the introduction of Bearly Any, 0.5% Helles.
Keystone Brewing Group CEO Steve Cox said: “Keystone is excited to welcome such an iconic, international beer brand to the group.
“There has been a gap in our portfolio for a world lager and with its exceptional quality, Hofmeister is the perfect addition.”
Brand heritage
Cox added: “World lager is one of the fastest-growing alcohol categories in the UK on-trade and we know consumers love Hofmeister’s brand heritage want to see more of it.
“As such, the deal supports our broader strategy of building a £100m portfolio of exceptional beer brands and beverages by 2028."
Hofmeister co-founders and joint CEOs Spencer Chambers and Richard Longhurst relaunched the brand after acquiring it from Heineken in 2016.
They said: “We’ve long admired Keystone and its portfolio of brands, recognising it as a true disrupter in the market.
“With its unwavering dedication to quality and innovation, Keystone is a natural fit for Hofmeister, aligning with our core values.
“Keystone’s distinctive, character-driven portfolio is a perfect match for Hofmeister and we’re excited to stand shoulder to shoulder with such renowned breweries as Black Sheep Brewery.”
Business activity
The co-founders added: “We look forward to elevating our beers to new heights and expanding their reach to even more consumers across England, Scotland and Wales.”
Last month (February), Keystone acquired North Brewing Co brands, which took its craft brands takeover to three in the past few months.
Its portfolio also includes Black Sheep Brewery, Purity, Brick, Brew By Numbers and more recently Big Drop, Maison Sassy, Magic Rock, Fourpure and Wolf Pack.
