Heineken takes control of Red Stripe

Heineken will take control of Jamaican lager Red Stripe in the UK from 1 January 2016, following a global deal with Diageo worth US$780.5 million.

Announced in October, the deal saw Diageo offload its brewing interests in Jamaica, Malaysia and Singapore to Dutch rival Heineken. As part of the deal Heineken acquired Diageo’s 57.9% stake in Jamaican brewer Desnoes & Geddes, which produces Red Stripe and Dragon. Heineken already owned 15.5% of the company, taking its stake in the company to 73.3%.

“We are hugely excited about Red Stripe joining our premium beer portfolio”, said David Forde, managing director of Heineken in the UK. “The beer has a rich heritage – from its links with music through the decades, to its famous cans and stubby bottles. Red Stripe brings with it a wealth of opportunities for our customers which we will support through brand investment and innovation.”Customers can order Red Stripe and Dragon Stout from Heineken from 30 December 2015, with first deliveries taking place from 2 January.

The Jamaican lager will join Heineken’s premium range of beers in the UK which includes Heineken, Desperados, Tiger, Sol and Birra Moretti.