Meantime Brewing Company, the Greenwich-based modern craft beer company, has been acquired by SABMiller. It becomes the first home-grown British brewer within SABMiller’s global business.
Meantime’s existing management team, led by Chief Executive Nick Miller and Meantime Founder and Brew Master Alastair Hook, will continue to run the company supported by the current Sales and Marketing, Production and Retail teams. Nick Miller will report directly to Sue Clark, Managing Director, SABMiller Europe.
The team will now focus on the expansion of its Greenwich brewery enabling the continued growth of its existing portfolio of modern craft beers – led by the core range of London Pale Ale, London Lager, Yakima Red and Pilsner. This will enable the Sales team to continue to drive growth in target key cities across the UK as well as in new export markets.
Meantime will also embark on the installation of a new pilot brewing facility at its Greenwich brewery which will, say the company “become a centre for innovation and new product development for SABMiller Europe.”
Nick Miller, Chief Executive Officer at Meantime Brewing Company said, “I can say from personal experience, that SABMiller is a great company to be joining forces with. I am delighted that they have seen the opportunity and believe in the longevity of the modern craft beer category in the UK and beyond. SABMiller has a long track record in nurturing local-market beer businesses that are recognised and loved worldwide.
“SABMiller shares our passion for putting great beer first and making, selling and marketing it responsibly to drinkers worldwide. The team at SABMiller have stressed how important our culture has been to our success to date and wish to see it retained within the business going forward.
“We are all excited about the opportunity to continue growing Meantime. We are also thrilled and flattered that SABMiller has given us a remit to continue to innovate. This is a massive compliment and acknowledges our position as pioneers in the modern craft beer category in the UK.”
Sue Clark, Managing Director, SABMiller Europe said, “Meantime has been at the forefront of the modern craft beer movement in the UK and brews an outstanding range of beers across a variety of styles. At SABMiller we love local variety, and carefully nurture our 200 local and heritage beers. Meantime, born in a city with a rich beer heritage, will be a special new addition to the SABMiller family.
