Heineken takes full control of Brixton Brewery

Dutch brewing giant Heineken has taken full ownership of London’s Brixton brewery after acquiring a minority stake in the business in 2017.

Brixton, which was founded in 2013 in a railway arch, used the initial investment in 2017 to increase its brewing capacity with the purchase of a second site close to its original home.

Writing in a blog post on the company’s website, co-founder of the south London brewery, Xochitl Benjamin, said: “When we look back over the past seven years, we honestly can’t believe how far we’ve come – from homebrewing to launching a small brewery, to building a highly recognisable community-based brand, with a larger new brewery and taproom. It makes us want to dream even bigger for the next seven.”

Benjamin noted that she, along with fellow co-founders Jez Galaun, Libby Galaun and Mike Ross, would “continue to lead the brewery’s day-to-day operations and strategic and creative direction”.

As a result of the deal with Heineken, Brixton is hoping to increase the availability of its beers across the UK and continue to invest in the local area through its brewery, taproom and newly renovated experimental brewery

Co-founder Galaun added: “To realise our vision to give thirsty people everywhere a taste of Brixton, we’re today announcing that, following a successful three years’ working with Heineken, we have agreed a deal that will see it fully acquire Brixton Brewery.

“We will still manage the brewery and have creative control over the brand and the beers we brew. The partnership means we can lean on Heineken’s expertise and routes to market, meaning more people across the UK can get a taste of Brixton.

“There’s no denying the fact that the next few years will be challenging for many reasons, so we’re happy to have the opportunity to secure the future of Brixton Brewery for our families, our team, our community and fans of our beers, who’ve been hugely supportive of our success so far.”

Brixton currently employs a team of 25 people across its sites. The financial terms of the deal with Heineken have not been disclosed.

Jochen Van Esch, craft development director at Heineken, added: “We are incredibly excited about the next chapter. Brixton Brewery will continue to operate as a separate entity. Our investment and support will mean the founders can stay in charge of day-to-day management of the company and its creative direction, and we can help develop retail opportunities, support with supply chain expertise and facilitate collaborations.”

Heineken already owns fellow London brewery Beavertown, which it bought in 2018 for £40 million. Beavertown unveiled its new brewery site in Enfield last year, a facility which has allowed it to increase its brewing capacity tenfold. 

In 2020, Heineken also acquired a minority stake in premium tonic and mixer brand Double Dutch, owned by Dutch twin sisters, Raissa and Joyce de Haas.