Hawk-eyed move for craft brewer

Brewdog moves into cider production with acquisition of Hawkes

Brewdog’s Martin Dickie and James Watt with Hawkes’ founder Simon Wright (centre)

CRAFT beer giant Brewdog is moving into cider production following its acquisition of London-based cider company, Hawkes.

Brewdog co-founder James Watt announced the investment at the brewer’s AGM in Aberdeen last month.

The craft brewer is said to have plans to deploy some of its resources to grow the London-based cider brand and business, both in the UK and internationally.

Hawkes’ founder, Simon Wright, is expected to maintain his role at the helm of the five year old cider firm, while its portfolio of six products will remain relatively unchanged.

Brewdog’s James Watt said: “Hawkes has grown a distinctive, bold and innovative business in an industry full of conformity, timidity and tradition.

Our history and mission parallels that of Brewdog, so this unification is truly a meeting of like minds.

“Our additional fire power will not only enable Hawkes to expand the reach of its incredible ciders, but also provide the opportunity to really make an indelible mark on the evolution of cider in the UK.”

Simon Wright of Hawkes commented that the firm’s history and mission “parallels that of Brewdog, so this unification is truly a meeting of like minds”.

“We are in an industry that has for far too long allowed ‘big’ cider and mass market products to hold back innovation and growth,” said Wright.

“I’ve long been impressed by Brewdog’s attitude and approach to challenging the status quo of beer in the UK and around the world.

“Just like us, they stand up for those who want to break free, make a difference and take the cider scene into an entirely new era. I can’t wait to see what the future holds.”