Bickford’s Group buys Vale Ale brewer to add to its growing alcohol portfolio

BICKFORD’S Group has acquired the McLaren Vale brewer of Vale Ale, with plans to boost national and international sales.

Brothers Mike, Pete and Tim Collin have sold Vale Brewing to Bickford’s Group.

HISTORIC drinks and beverage maker Bickford’s has acquired the McLaren Vale brewer of Vale Ale.

The acquisition of Vale Brewing, formerly owned by brothers Tim, Pete and Mike Collin, includes the Fox Hat Brewing and Dr Pilkington’s Cider brands, along with a 3,500-litre brewing facility in Willunga.

The alcohol division of the Bickford’s Group, Vok Beverages, will begin selling and distributing all three brands from 1 November.

Bickford’s said the primary driver of the sale was to grow distribution and scale of the Vale brands via an “established, independently owned South Australian beverage business aligned with the vision of the Vale founders”.

Vale Brewing was established in 2008 with the flagship Vale Ale brand, but has since grown into a portfolio of more than ten core products with distribution in both packaged and draught throughout Australia and internationally.

The Collin brothers have been majority owners since the early stages of the business and took 100 per cent ownership in 2015.

They are exploring other opportunities after nine years with the business.

“We are thrilled with the outcome of our negotiations with Bickford’s along with the fact that these iconic brands will stay in South Australian hands,” Tim said.