Crafty Brewing acquires Ridgeway Brewing
Surrey-based Crafty Brewing has acquired Oxfordshire’s Ridgeway Brewing in a move that will see the combined business producing 100,000 litres of beer per week. The post Crafty Brewing acquires Ridgeway Brewing appeared first on The Drinks Business.
Surrey-based Crafty Brewing has acquired Oxfordshire’s Ridgeway Brewing in a move that will see the combined business producing 100,000 litres of beer per week.
Crafty Brewing, which received the SIBA Business Innovation Award in 2024, will welcome Ridgeway’s brews which have had a strong export focus since it was founded by brewer Peter Scholey in 2002.
The merged breweries will focus on specialist markets and innovation with many of the beers destined for export, also supplying the British Army as well as more usual routes to market across the on and off-trade,
Speaking to the drinks business, Crafty Brewing founder Luke Herman said: “The team and I at Crafty Brewing are delighted to have joined forces with Peter and Ridgeway Brewing. We look forward to maintaining the high standards of production and exploring new products and distribution in the future.”
Scholey explained: “Any business needs a succession plan but with brewing it is far more than just finding a new manager. You need someone who shares your vision of what “good beer” should be and I am pleased to have found that person in Luke Herman. I look forward to working alongside Luke as we explore the exciting new opportunities created. “
Herman added: “Having grown Crafty Brewing from a 100-litre kit in a lorry body to a 5,000-litre setup in a purpose-built facility, producing traditional beers with a modern twist, joining forces with Ridgeway was a natural next step. Peter brings a deep understanding of the industry, expert brewing skills, and a portfolio of world-class beers. I’m thrilled to be working alongside him, learning from his experience, and maintaining the Ridgeway brand he has built with such dedication. I look forward to combining our expertise, creativity, enthusiasm and commitment to quality, award-winning beer.”
Crafty Brewing, which received the SIBA Business Innovation Award in 2024, will welcome Ridgeway’s brews which have had a strong export focus since it was founded by brewer Peter Scholey in 2002.
The merged breweries will focus on specialist markets and innovation with many of the beers destined for export, also supplying the British Army as well as more usual routes to market across the on and off-trade,
Speaking to the drinks business, Crafty Brewing founder Luke Herman said: “The team and I at Crafty Brewing are delighted to have joined forces with Peter and Ridgeway Brewing. We look forward to maintaining the high standards of production and exploring new products and distribution in the future.”
Scholey explained: “Any business needs a succession plan but with brewing it is far more than just finding a new manager. You need someone who shares your vision of what “good beer” should be and I am pleased to have found that person in Luke Herman. I look forward to working alongside Luke as we explore the exciting new opportunities created. “
Herman added: “Having grown Crafty Brewing from a 100-litre kit in a lorry body to a 5,000-litre setup in a purpose-built facility, producing traditional beers with a modern twist, joining forces with Ridgeway was a natural next step. Peter brings a deep understanding of the industry, expert brewing skills, and a portfolio of world-class beers. I’m thrilled to be working alongside him, learning from his experience, and maintaining the Ridgeway brand he has built with such dedication. I look forward to combining our expertise, creativity, enthusiasm and commitment to quality, award-winning beer.” 
