Cumberland Breweries' Conor Farrell (l) and Alltech Ireland managing director Kevin Tuck celebrate the move.
Alltech has acquired craft breweries in Northern Ireland and England in a major expansion to its international alcohol division.
The Station Works Brewery in County Down and Cumberland Breweries in Cumbria have the combined capacity to produce 40,000hl of beer, and add several new brands to Alltech’s portfolio including Finn Lager and Foxes Rock Ale. The two businesses have been purchased by Alltech founder Dr Pearse Lyons from the estate of Lord Ballyedmond, who died in March last year.
As part of the deal, Cumberland Breweries’ Conor Farrell will become European sales manager of Alltech’s beverage division.
The acquisition represents a significant investment in the European craft brewing sector and reflects Alltech’s position as one of the fastest growing craft brewers in the US. The Kentucky-based company has three new breweries under construction there, and has embarked on a major investment in a new distillery in the heart of the Liberties, in Dublin.
Alltech founder Dr Pearse Lyons said: “We are dedicated to offering the consumer real choice in the beer sector. Since our first investment in the Alltech Craft Brews & Foods Fair in Dublin three years ago, the sector has mushroomed and our fair is now the largest in Ireland, attracting more than 10,000 visitors annually.
“We want to be one of the top 50 craft brewers in the world.”
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