The Bedford-based drinks business said although the supply issues can “feel the same as a shortage”, help is available as the logistical side of deliveries is absorbed by Damm UK.
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A spokesperson for Damm UK said: “Since completing the Old Speckled Hen acquisition, we’ve been working hard to transition the brand to Damm UK, which includes incorporating the many SKUs across cask, keg and packaged into our network.
“Transitions like this take time and this process is broadly complete; with many customers nationwide already receiving stock. We’re committed to making sure it keeps its place on the bar and ensuring that we make this transition period as smooth as possible for our customers. We thank them all for bearing with us at this time.”
Busier than usual
While some licensees have experienced delays in receiving orders as the changeover in ownership and logistics partners takes place, Damm UK said it has been a busier than usual period for the sector given the warm summer and strong England football team performance, which has added to the pressure on an already busy transitioning supply chain.
The spokesperson added: “This is no shortage in production but a temporary disruption due to the transition in ownership, in relation to logistics. Damm UK recognises that from a licensee’s point of view this can feel the same as a shortage when stock isn’t arriving and is working with Greene King to minimise the impact as much as it can.”
The business said it is managing a changeover in ownership that involves new logistics arrangements and this kind of transition inevitably takes a large amount of administrative and operational work to put in place, and that has caused short-term delays for some customers.
It added: “Damm UK is treating this as a priority and is working to resolve it as quickly as possible.”
Ordering process is the same
With the Old Speckled Hen brand family – which include Old Golden Hen, Old Craft Hen and Old Master Hen – now, broadly, incorporated into Damm’s portfolio and logistics network, the ordering process remains exactly the same for customers with no additional steps required by Damm UK.
Damm UK confirmed that if any licensees are experiencing delays, they are urged to contact their account manager who can help resolve the situation.
The spokesperson added: “Damm UK kindly asks licensees to bear with them a little longer while the logistical details are finalised and to keep the range on the bar for their loyal customers and future Old Speckled Hen drinkers.
“Damm UK remains committed to its licensees and to Old Speckled Hen’s place in their range, and if delays continue, Damm UK is happy to discuss other products in the portfolio to help fill gaps in the meantime. Damm UK would like to thank licensees in advance for their patience.”
