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Harrington’s has announced that they have reached an agreement for Lion to purchase their legendary Christchurch based craft brewery.
From 31st July 2018, Harrington’s will begin a new chapter in its 27 year brewing history with their range of craft beers welcomed into the Lion family.
Harrington’s is one of the first craft breweries in New Zealand, is a household name in Christchurch and has won a number of awards over the years including a Brewer’s Guild of New Zealand Champion Brewery award in 2012.
Harrington’s Founder, John Harrington says “We started the business back in 1991 and the market is now in a very different place. We’ve been thinking for a while now about how best to carry the business into the future and reached out to Lion to see if they’d be interested.
“I’ve had a relationship with Lion since my publican days and it’s always been a dream of ours that one day they’d become Harrington’s steward. They have a strong track record of protecting and growing craft beer brands and we’re confident that the work we’ve done in creating a strong legacy, will be protected, and even strengthened, by this move.”
“Lion will give Harrington’s the support needed to deliver sustained growth and give more people the chance to try our great beers.”
Following a period of transition, the brand will be integrated into Lion, who will be directly responsible for supply, sales and distribution of Harrington’s going forward.
While both parties are still working through the details, the brewery will stay in Christchurch and Lion will be working alongside the founder John, who is staying on as Harrington’s brand ambassador to help drive the brand into the future.
Rory Glass, Lion New Zealand Managing Director says: “Lion was honoured to be approached by Harrington’s and we’re incredibly excited to welcome the brand into our family. Harrington’s has such a rich and proud history and will be a fantastic complement to our existing range, with wonderful beers like Rogue Hop, Wobbly Boot and Ngahere Gold. We will build on what has made Harrington’s so great and help make their beers more accessible to people across the country.”
Lion plans to invest around $2million on updating the Christchurch brewery in the initial stages to reinvigorate the business and improve brewing processes.
Check out this video to hear John and his wife Val discussing this news and reflecting on the Harrington’s journey to date.
