The UK's Greene King brewery has announced the sale of its Old Speckled Hen beer brand to an undisclosed buyer. Production of the beer, which was previously brewed in Suffolk, will now take place in Bedford. This decision is part of a wider restructuring effort by Greene King, which has been impacted by the UK's economic uncertainty and rising costs.
Old Speckled Hen is a well-known beer brand in the UK, with a rich history dating back to the 19th century. The brand was previously owned by the Morland brewery, which was acquired by Greene King in 2007. The sale of the brand marks a significant shift in the UK's brewing industry, with many smaller breweries struggling to stay afloat amidst increasing competition and rising costs.
Greene King has not disclosed the name of the buyer or the terms of the sale. However, the company has confirmed that production of Old Speckled Hen will be transferred to its facility in Bedford, which is expected to create new jobs and stimulate economic growth in the region.
The sale of Old Speckled Hen is the latest example of a larger trend in the UK's brewing industry, with many smaller breweries being acquired by larger players or struggling to compete with the likes of Greene King and Heineken. This trend has significant implications for the UK's beer drinkers, who may see a reduction in the number of unique and independent beer brands available in the market.