NETHERLANDS – The Dutch brewing giant, Heineken has acquired a minority shareholding in the Amsterdam-based craft brewery Oedipus Brewing for an undisclosed amount.
According to the company, the investment will help bring their dreams a reality; including aspirations to open a food and beer bar, launching a music and cultural venue, and building a sustainable farmhouse brewery near Amsterdam.
Established in 2011, Oedipus has expanded from brewing beer in an Amsterdam kitchen and selling it at events and festivals to brewing at their own brewery and taproom in Amsterdam Noord since 2015.
The brewery is set to benefit from Heineken’s resources and capabilities and as an established leader in international, regional, local and speciality beers and ciders.
“Dreams need funds though, and for funds you need a partner,” said a joint statement from the company founders.
“We felt that it was now time to make an active choice about our future. Finding the right partner isn’t an easy task.
“We needed somebody who could understand who we are, what we dream about, help in getting our beers to an even higher level in quality and consistency and ensure the wider distribution of our beers.
“We found that partner in Heineken. They immediately understood our vision and are willing to support our dreams with their capacities and resources.”
Oedipus will remain an independent brewery with its owners leading the business but is in a position to utilize Heineken’s knowledge on beer and brewing techniques.
The company beer portfolio includes the flagship brand MannenLiefde (English- men love); Thai Thai, a 8% triple spiced beer with cinnamon and ginger; Mama, a 5% citrus hoppy and bitter fresh pale ale; and Polyamore, a 5% mango sour pale ale.
“I think it’s fantastic that we can work together with the people at Oedipus,” said Pascal Gilet, CEO Heineken The Netherlands.
“Thanks to their superb, colorful, progressive beers and a wonderful mix of design, music and culture, Oedipus has established a unique position in a short time.
“I am really impressed by the creativity, passion and imagination with which they brew and present their beers.
“They are a source of inspiration to many and know how to bring people together – something that I personally value enormously.”
Heineken’s deal with Oedipus follows minority investments in Belize Brewing Company and London’s Brixton Brewery and Beavertown Brewery.
The company also acquired the remaining stake in California’s Lagunitas Brewing, after acquiring half of the company in 2015.