UK breweries to lead Lion's new global craft arm
It means a brewery expansion for the Huddersfield-based Magic Rock and two new core product releases for London-based Fourpure, which opened a new taproom on the Bermondsey Beer Mile last year.
The global craft arm – named Little World Beverages – will cover breweries from other countries including Australia’s Little Creatures, New Zealand’s Panhead and the United States’ New Belgium Brewing.
The Australia-based giant bought the entirety of Magic Rock in March 2019 and Fourpure in July 2018.
Opportunity in the UK
Gordon Treanor, who will head the newly created arm, said: “Little World Beverages offers a strong portfolio of global brands and we’re excited by the opportunity in the UK market.
“Last year saw us launch some top-quality beers and open new venues across Fourpure, Magic Rock and Little Creatures.
“The recent acquisition of New Belgium Brewing in the US has the whole team excited as to what potential learnings can be shared across our brewing estate.”
Treanor continued: “We have plans for growth in the pipeline outside of both Australia and New Zealand where we have been the number one craft brewer in both these markets for some time.
“Our significant investment in Fourpure, Magic Rock and now New Belgium Brewing demonstrates our commitment to craft for the long run and we are very excited about the road ahead here in the UK and Europe.”
