Harviestoun bought by Caledonian

February 6, 2006: Harviestoun Brewery in Scotland - famous for its award-winning Bitter and Twisted and Schiehallion beers - has been purchased by Edinburgh-based Caledonian, in turn owned by brewing giant Scottish & Newcastle.

Stephen Crawley, managing director of the Caledonian Brewing Company, said that the Harviestoun portfolio fitted perfectly into its range.

"The success and growth achieved by founder Ken Brooker mirrors that of Caledonian," he said.

“We will continue to brew Harviestoun’s beers with the pride that they have always demonstrated. Over the last two years, Caledonian has developed an excellent national sales and distribution network. We will make sure that lovers of quality beer will benefit from the increased availability of these superb Harviestoun products.

“We will keep the excellent Alva Brewery in full production and are delighted to retain the skilled workforce. Indeed, in due course we plan to expand at Alva.”

Ken Brooker, who produced Harviestoun’s first brew back in 1985, said: "I am delighted that Caledonian will be taking over the brewery. They know the industry inside out and are passionately committed to producing quality cask conditioned beer. I couldn’t have wished for a better scenario.

"I have enjoyed every moment of creating and developing a brewery which basically started off as a hobby and I’m pleased to leave it in Caledonian’s professional and capable hands.”

Harviestoun's Bitter and Twisted was CAMRA's champion beer of Britain in 2003 - a year after Caledonian Deuchars scooped the award.