Molson Coors Acquires U.K. Cidermaker Aspall

From Peter Frost at Molson Coors:

Molson Coors, the parent company of MillerCoors, last Friday acquired U.K.-based Aspall Cyder Ltd., a 290-year-old maker of premium ciders and vinegars based in Aspall, Suffolk, a tiny village northeast of London.

With the acquisition, Molson Coors is building upon a portfolio of U.K. hard cider brands that includes Carling Cider, Sharp’s Orchard Craft Cider and Rekorderlig. Via MillerCoors, Molson Coors also owns the U.S. hard cider brands Smith & Forge and Crispin.

“This is an important milestone in Aspall’s long history and a proud day for everyone involved with the company,” says Barry Chevallier Guild, Aspall’s Chairman. He and Henry Chevallier Guild will remain in the business as board advisers. “Molson Coors is known for respecting the provenance of local brands it has acquired in the past, and has the scale and expertise to accelerate our growth in the premium cider category in the U.K. and beyond.”