Heineken has acquired South African craft brewer Stellenbrau for an undisclosed sum, according to reports.
The company – based in Stellenbosch, near Cape Town – produces a range of four flagship beers from head brewer Stephen De Jager. They include a rich and light-golden lager, a deep and delicate ale, a crisp and bitter red lager with rooibos, and a full-bodied hefeweizen.
Local press quoted Heineken South Africa managing director Ruud van den Eijnden as saying: “Stellenbrau was a natural fit, as it is what Heineken was 150 years ago, sharing the same essential values – a love of and pride in producing great beer and an entrepreneurial spirit. We are excited to welcome the entire team to the Heineken family.
“Heineken wants Stellenbrau to keep doing what it does best, as the group has no plans to ‘corporatise’ the brewery. If we combine forces, we can do so much more together. The best thing you can do for us is to keep your identity. We can learn as much from you as you can from us.”
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