Innis & Gunn claims to be the UK’s second largest craft beer supplier in the off-trade. It is also the dominant exporter of UK craft beer to Canada, second in Sweden and exports to more than 28 countries.
Following the investment, L Catterton will control a minority stake of 27.9% in the business, which had previously raised £2.4m through crowdfunding. Founder and master brewer Dougal Sharp will remain the largest stakeholder in the business.
The brewer and pub group has expanded during the past two years, launching four Beer Kitchens in Scotland and establishing a home for its barrel-aged brews in innovation brewery in Perth.
Turnover boost
Last year, it reported a 22% rise in turnover to more than £14.3m, the 13th consecutive year of volume growth. Volume sales have increased by 175% in the past five years.
Sharp said in a statement: “The craft beer category is booming globally, and this is a hugely exciting opportunity at the right time for us to build strongly on the solid foundations that have been laid to double our 2015 turnover by 2018.
L Catterton will strengthen our business with unparalleled expertise in brand building and a deep understanding of global consumer markets
– Dougal Sharp, Innis & Gunn
“Innovation and quality have been at the heart of Innis & Gunn’s success since day one, and this continues to drive us forward.
“Aside from providing additional capital to accelerate our growth plans, we believe L Catterton will strengthen our business with unparalleled expertise in brand building and a deep understanding of global consumer markets, sharing our vision and supporting our continued expansion and growth.”
Booming globally
Jean-Philippe Barade, partner at L Catterton, said: “Innis & Gunn has established a leading position in the market with its focus on high-quality and distinctive beers, loved by consumers all over the world.
“With an unmatched portfolio of products, successful retail brand, and recently acquired brewery, the potential for this brand and business is hugely exciting and it is in an exceptionally strong place to capitalise on the growth in consumer demand for craft beer.
“We look forward to working with Dougal and the outstanding team at Innis & Gunn to support their vision for growth.”
Earlier this year, Innis & Gunn announced it was gearing up to double turnover to £25m over the course of three years, and triple beer production to 30,000 hectolitres within two years.