Damm UK Acquires Old Speckled Hen Brand Family

Damm UK is entering a new chapter in its UK expansion with the acquisition of the Old Speckled Hen family of beer brands from Greene King. The deal brings the well-known ale range under its ownership and is designed to support continuity of supply while securing its future growth in the UK market. The move strengthens the company’s long-term commitment to the UK market while ensuring continued availability and consistency across retail and pub channels.

A press release from Damn UK disclosed that production will initially continue at Westgate Brewery during the transition period, before moving to Damm’s Eagle Brewery in Bedford.

The award-winning family of brands includes Old Speckled Hen, Old Golden Hen, Old Crafty Hen,  Old Master Hen and Low Alcohol Old Speckled Hen.

The agreement marks a new era for one of the UK’s most recognised premium ale brands and reflects the strong working relationship between Greene King and Estrella Damm. Central to the discussions has been securing a solid future for the brand, its customers and consumers.

Following completion of the purchase, the Old Speckled Hen brands will continue to be available in the off-trade, including major supermarkets across the UK as well as Greene King’s vast network of pubs.

Luke White, Managing Director of Damm UK, said:

“Old Speckled Hen is an iconic British ale brand with a rich heritage and loyal following, and we are proud that Greene King has chosen Damm UK to take the brand forward into its next chapter.

We have great respect for the history Greene King has built around Old Speckled Hen over the last 25 years and look forward to working closely together throughout the transition period to ensure continued success for the brand, customers and consumers alike.

The brand not only complements the current portfolio range by adding another category to our offering but it also reconnects the Damm Eagle Brewery to its historic British beer and ale production roots.”

Greene King acquired Old Speckled Hen in 1999 from Morland and has grown it into one of the nation’s favourite ales.

Nick Mackenzie, CEO of Greene King, said:

“We are proud to have built Old Speckled Hen into one of the nation’s favourite ales over the last 25 years and are delighted to have secured a partner in Estrella Damm who will continue to brew the ales in the UK. We look forward to working closely in partnership with Damm and seeing Old Speckled Hen’s future success under their ownership.”

The acquisition reinforces Damm’s long-term commitment to the UK market following the purchase of the Eagle Brewery in Bedford in 2022 and subsequent investment in the site.

This deal comes during the independent family brewer’s 150th anniversary year, reflecting the company’s continued focus on brewing excellence, authenticity and long-term brand stewardship.

About Damm

Founded in Barcelona in 1876, Damm is one of Spain’s leading food and beverage companies founded by the master brewer August Kuentzmann Damm. The business spans brewing, hospitality, logistics, and distribution sectors. It operates 18 production plants across the Iberian Peninsula and one in the UK, producing and packaging close to 21mHL of beer, water, soft drinks, dairy products, and milkshakes annually.  In 2024, Damm reported a turnover of €2bn and employed 5,425 people.

Damm’s brands are present in more than 130 countries, offering a wide portfolio of beers and styles. Its flagship, Estrella Damm, is a Mediterranean lager brewed with 100% natural, high-quality ingredients following the original 1876 recipe.

In 2022, Damm acquired the Eagle Brewery in Bedford, reinforcing its commitment to the UK market and sustainable practices. The renovations include a new state-of-the-art canning line as well as soft drink making facilities.

Damm is celebrating its 150th anniversary and heritage with society through a schedule of events, strengthening its commitment to culture, gastronomy and music.

About Greene King

Greene King is the country’s leading pub company and brewer trading c2,500 pubs, restaurants and hotels across England, Wales and Scotland.

At Greene King we are passionate about delivering our purpose to ‘pour happiness into lives’. That’s for our customers, our team, our pub partners, our suppliers and the communities in which we live, operate and serve. Founded in 1799 with offices in Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk and Burton on Trent in Staffordshire we employ around 38,000 people acrossthe group and operate three divisions including Managed Pubs, Pub Partners and Brewing & Brands.

• Managed Pubs: Our Managed Pubs division brings together our best-known pub and restaurant brands nationwide, including Greene King pubs, Hungry Horse, Chef & Brewer, Farmhouse Inns and Flaming Grill. We offer great service, quality and value for a wide range of eating and drinking occasions. Ventures includes Hickory’s, Premium (Crafted Pubs & Metropolitan Pub Company) and Hotels, which operate independently of Greene King’s managed pub brands.
• Pub Partners: Pub Partners runs our tenanted and leased pubs business and Hive and Nest franchise pubs. These options combine entrepreneurial independence with practical support, enabling partners to run successful local businesses within a market‑leading estate. We have c.1,000 leased, tenanted and franchise pubs.
• Brewing & Brands covers the brewing sides of the business. Quality ales are brewed at the Westgate brewery in Bury St Edmunds and the Belhaven Brewery in Dunbar. Our industry-leading portfolio includes Greene King IPA, Abbot Ale, Ice Breaker and Belhaven Best and our premium beers, Level Head and Hazy Day, brewed for the modern-day drinker.