Damm acquires the British beer Old Speckled Hen
The acquisition of this ale beer, originally launched in 1979 and previously owned by Greene King, strengthens Damm’s presence in the United Kingdom following the purchase of the Eagle Brewery in 2022
Damm, the Barcelona-based brewery founded in 1876 and chaired by Demetrio Carceller Arce, has acquired Old Speckled Hen, one of the UK’s best-known premium ale brands, which until now belonged to the Greene King group.
After a transition period, all the Old Speckled Hen beer family of brands will be brewed at The Eagle Brewery, the Damm’s brewery located in Bedford, UK. The acquisition of this brand reaffirms the company’s commitment to the UK market and drives forward its internationalisation strategy, which currently accounts for 30% of its business.
The addition of Old Speckled Hen strengthens Damm’s portfolio in the UK, which is led by Estrella Damm—the country’s leading Spanish premium beer—and completed by brands such as Daura and Damm Lemon. Old Speckled Hen, Old Golden Hen, Old Crafty Hen, Old Master Hen and Low Alcohol Old Speckled Hen now join these brands.
This agreement opens a new chapter for one of the UK’s best-known premium beers and is the result of the strong partnership between Greene King and Damm, who share the aim of ensuring a thriving future for the latter, its customers and consumers.
Luke White, Damm UK Managing Director, has pointed out: “As a premium British ale brand with a rich heritage, Old Speckled Hen completes our Damm portfolio in the British market. Our brewery, The Eagle Brewery, reconnects with its historical roots in the manufacture of British ales. This is a significant milestone in our journey in the UK, after the official opening of The Eagle Brewery in October last year.”
Nick Mackenzie, Greene King CEO, stated: “Over the past 25 years, we have proudly helped make Old Speckled Hen one of the country’s favourite ales, and we are pleased to have partnered with Estrella Damm to continue brewing these beers in the UK. We look forward to working closely with Damm and seeing Old Speckled Hen continue to thrive under its ownership.”
Damm, which is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year, shares with Old Speckled Hen an identity built on heritage and tradition. The British brand was created in 1979 by Morland Brewery to mark the 50th anniversary of the MG car factory in Abingdon, Oxfordshire.
