- Pubs across Britain are experiencing shortages of Old Speckled Hen ale, weeks after the brand was acquired by Spanish beer giant Estrella Damm from Greene King .
- Estrella Damm purchased Old Speckled Hen and related brands , including Old Golden Hen and Low Alcohol Old Speckled Hen, earlier this month, with the deal completing on 1 July.
- The Spanish company attributed the temporary distribution problems to issues arising from the change in ownership and the transfer of beers into its supply network, exacerbated by hot weather and the football World Cup.
- While Estrella Damm admitted pub landlords would perceive the wait as a ' shortage ,' it stated the transition is now 'broadly complete,' and stock should soon reach customers.
- Greene King, which sold Old Speckled Hen as part of a strategic realignment, will now focus more intently on its pub estate and aims to open a new £40 million brewery in Bury St Edmunds by summer 2027.
IN FULL
Britain faces shortage of popular ale weeks after it was sold to Spanish beer giant
