The new licence will see Big Drop’s UK production move to Black Sheep Brewery in Masham, Yorkshire, after Keystone’s recent £1m investment into expanding capacity at its brewhouse.
It means Keystone will have exclusivity to brew and sell Big Drop products throughout the UK and to European export markets.
CEO of Keystone Brewing Group Mark Williams told The Morning Advertiser (The MA): ‘’We have been searching for the right partner to reinforce our existing zero alcohol range for some time. I’m very pleased to say we have found that partner in Big Drop.
“Big Drop has a range of flavoursome beers that are game-changing in the now and low drinks sector. We firmly believe this is the right way forward for Keystone’s product range.
Quality and consistency
“At Keystone, we can provide the quality and consistency that Big Drop requires. Significant investment has established a centre for brewing excellence and increased capacity at our Masham breweries.
“Big Drop will help fill this new capacity, and as we expand distribution and reach new customers, we expect volume to increase as predicted by drinks experts.
“We are excited to bring Big Drop into our portfolio, it’s a fantastic beer with a compelling and distinctive story in a category that we are certain will continue to resonate and gain momentum.’’
Big Drop founder Rob Fink added the brand would like to thank everyone at In Good Company for their “hard work” since last year, when it agreed a license with them.
“The journey continues and we’re very excited to be joining Keystone. Not only is the Black Sheep Brewery a centre of excellence but Keystone national sales team has in-depth market knowledge and a strong distribution network across the UK’”, he continued.
Maximise potential
Big Drop joins Keystone’s existing portfolio which, alongside Black Sheep, includes Brick Brewery, Brew By Numbers, and Purity Brewing.
It comes as the latest data from Nielsen showed the no and low drinks category has grown 44% in the past 12-months.
In addition, figures from IWSR Drinks Market Analysis predicted the compound annual growth rate for alcohol-free beer in the UK would stand at 12% until 2026.
Williams added: “Big Drop is a well-established pure-play alcohol-free brand and the perfect fit for our portfolio, particularly with the alcohol-free beer category expected to continue growing.
“We know its rate of sale is one of the best in the category and by bringing Big Drop’s exceptional range under our umbrella, we aim to maximise its potential, reaching more consumers across the UK.”
