Belgian brewery group Duvel Moortgat has acquired a 60% stake in Jarr, a London manufacturer of kombucha, a fermented tea. Financial details have not been released.
Growing demand for non-alcoholic drinks
The family-owned brewery from Breendonk (between Antwerp and Brussels) has acquired a majority stake in Jarr: the group wants to participate in the growing trend towards drinks that are low in alcohol. Founded in 2015, Jarr wants to grow through the support and distributive network of Duvel Moortgat. There are no plans yet to release the fermented tea onto the Belgian market.
“The way kombucha is made is very similar to the brewing of beer,” explains CEO Michel Moortgat: “both are the result of passionate people using natural quality ingredients to brew a tasteful drink. Jarr completes our range of premium beverages.” Jarr’s four founders (Adam Vanni, brothers Tom and Jess Seaton and Neil Hinchley) will retain control over the company.
Duvel Moortgat achieved a solid 428.7 million-euro turnover in 2017, an increase of almost 7% compared to the previous year. It is best know for its beer brands Duvel, La Chouffe, De Koninck and Liefmans.
