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A Dundee-based brewery has expanded its portfolio with the acquisition of a plant-based soft drinks brand. 71 Brewing’s acquisition of Edinburgh-based Bon Accord Soft Drinks creates an independent drinks group combining both beer and plant-based soft drinks, with the broader portfolio aimed at targeting the UK and export markets.
The deal comes in the wake of a significant period of growth for Bon Accord, which was initially founded in 1903, and revived by Karen Knowles, a great-great-granddaughter of the original founder, in 2016. Since then, the company has seen steady growth, with its focus on naturally sweetened, plant-based soft drinks.
71 Brewing was founded in 2016 and has established itself as the fastest-growing Scottish brewery in the UK grocery market. The company is now pursuing a wider growth strategy, with the acquisition of Bon Accord diversifying and strengthening its retail, hospitality and export offering,
The brewery has said that the combined group will benefit from shared capital investment and infrastructure and outlined ambitions to boost distribution, introduce new packaging formats and speed up product development.
Bon Accord founder Karen Knowles said that this was “the right time” for the transition, following “nine successful years of growth. Knowles continued: “Partnering with 71 Brewing expands our operational capacity and allows us to scale, innovate, and reach new audiences with even greater impact.”
71 Brewing Managing Director Duncan Alexander added: “The merger presents a unique opportunity to work with an established, opportunity-rich brand that shares our values. Bon Accord’s ethos of craft and quality mirrors our own, and their premium soft drinks are a perfect complement to our beer portfolio. Together, we’re creating a stronger, more versatile drinks company that reflects Scotland’s creativity and ambition.”
Alcoholic drinks are one of the major tailwinds driving strong food and beverage dealmaking
Read more about M&A activity across the wider UK food and drinks sector
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