UK: CAMRA against Greene King’s acquisition of Ridleys PLC
Beer consumer group, the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) announced on Monday, July 4 that it calls for Competition Commission investigation following Greene King’s acquisition of Ridleys PLC
CAMRA said on July 4 that it has attacked Greene King’s plans to close the 163 year old Ridleys Brewery in Essex. CAMRA claims that the acquisition of Ridleys PLC, announced this morning, threatens consumer choice as Greene King’s dominance in Essex and East Anglia grows.
CAMRA is calling on the Government to reinstate legislation to force brewers with more than 2000 pubs to allow their pub tenants to take a guest beer from a supplier of their choice.
Mike Benner, Chief Executive, said, “This acquisition follows hot on the heels of the takeover of Jennings by Wolverhampton and Dudley in June. A new generation of national brewers[1] has been created and is a threat to consumer choice. Takeovers rarely lead to benefits for consumers and invariably lead to erosion of consumer choice and breweries close and beers are axed.”
“Greene King has stated this morning that it intends to close the Ridleys Brewery in the autumn. Ridleys has been family owned since 1842, brewing excellent local beers. Greene King should reconsider its decision and take steps to sell the brewery as a going concern.”
CAMRA believes that demand exists for breweries which specialise in short-run craft beers following renewed consumer interest in local products. Ridleys has been brewing Tolly Original since 2002[2], brews Greene King XX Mild under contract and brews Pale Island[3] for Kelham Island Brewery, current holders of the Champion Beer of Britain Award.
Mike Benner added, “What will happen to popular beers such as Greene King XX Mild, Tolly Original and the Ridleys beers? It is difficult to believe that Greene King will continue to brew Ridleys IPA for long as it clashes with its own IPA”
CAMRA is to press Greene King to reverse its decision to close the Essex brewery and attempt to sell it as a going concern.
Mr. Benner added, “Are we to see a new housing development on the site of this remarkable Victorian brewery? Greene King should show they care about Britain’s brewing heritage and the views of beer drinkers and attempt to sell the brewery to someone who can use it to brew beer.”
CAMRA has hit out at comments from Ridley’s Managing Director, Bob Wales, who was appointed in April 2005. Following his appointment, Mr. Wales said, “The Board and I are delighted with this announcement and look forward to the Ridleys business growing and developing. Ridleys is a good business with some excellent and dedicated people at the Hartford End Brewery site…” Mr Benner said, “One has to ask the question, ‘what has changed’?”
Greene King closed Rayments at Furneux Pelham in 1987, Biggleswade brewery in 1997 and Morlands in 2000.
Greene King and W&DB have over 2000 pubs each and would have been defined as national brewers under the Beer Orders’ legislation which was revoked in 2002.
Ridleys acquired and closed the Tolly Cobbold Brewery in Ipswich in 2002
Pale Island is a contract brewed version of the award winning Pale Rider
Wstecz
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