Beer
Camden's AB InBev buyout: Q&A with founder - and Twitter response
AB InBev bought Camden Town Brewery to help “growth and expansion” for the brewers of Camden Pale Ale. Those disappointed with the deal took to Twitter to vent their frustration.
Response - Why?
Cuppaidge told the PMA: “The deal with AB InBev gives us the investment we need to build our new brewery, employ more people and keep up with demand for our beer. It also gives us access to their international distribution network and global expertise. We want to make Camden Town Brewery respected around the world.
“The last year’s been fun, crazy and exciting, as you know. To stay at the forefront of the craft movement and secure our future success, we have to build a bigger brewery. As you know, we're hoping to invest in a site in Enfield. To deliver this state of the art brewery, we need to raise £14 million. We can't do this on our own. That's what encouraged the decision."
What will change?
“Nothing will change in terms of Camden’s brands, innovation and creativity. I’m still here running the business. It’s very much business as usual. What we will get is investment and an international distribution network."
Reassurances
"Our drinkers care about getting great beer and that won’t change. There are many examples of great companies that have partnered with larger businesses and have been successful in making their great brands and quality products more widely available to more people, thereby ensuring the company’s future sustainability and growth.
"Innocent for example is still making great drinks! We are confident in ourselves and excited by this great opportunity. We will continue to focus on brewing unique beers and sharing them with our drinkers. That’s all that matters.”
BrewDog
BrewDog led the criticism of the brewery, and will no longer stock Camden Town Brewery products.
We will no longer be selling any @CamdenBrewery in our bars. We don't stock @ABInBevNews beers.
— James Watt (@BrewDogJames) December 21, 2015The Camden Brewdog bar posted a video on its Twitter feed of the CTB beers being taken off the menu.
No compromise. #Sorrynotsorry@CamdenBrewery@ABInBevNews. pic.twitter.com/BSlil06Y0i
— BrewDog Camden (@BrewDogCamden) December 21, 2015But there was support for Camden Town Brewery.
You get the feeling that the way Brewdog are behaving in response to the Camden buyout is one day going to bite them in the arse....
— Danny Nicholson (@dannynic) December 21, 2015
"Camden Town Brewery will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of AB InBev" sounds like an awesome partnership?! @CamdenBrewery
— Martin Dickie (@MartinDickie) December 21, 2015
Hope they move the brand forward in the right way, love Camden Brewery and the overall brand https://t.co/wkmNJfMwNK
— Thomas James Design (@ThomasJDesign) December 21, 2015
Founder Jasper Cuppaidge responded to questions about the deal on Twitter.
@CamdenBrewery What do you make of Brew Dog's response to the news? https://t.co/8pso19XfEF
— Billy McLennan (@williammclennan) December 21, 2015We intend to keep brewing our distinctive beers which have a strong and growing following + that's all that matters. https://t.co/RrhAnXPQm3
— Camden Town Brewery (@CamdenBrewery) December 21, 2015I don't think we'll qualify to be part of UCB anymore, but you never know - there may be a new alliance in future. https://t.co/40LT1wQO8k
— Camden Town Brewery (@CamdenBrewery) December 21, 2015Yes, in fact we are planning to make 30 new hires – we're planning to grow not shrink! https://t.co/8eJ8CdIdAl
— Camden Town Brewery (@CamdenBrewery) December 21, 2015
