Keystone Brewing Group has entered into a new partnership agreement with Laine Brew Co, the 28-year-old brewing arm of the Laine Pub Company.
The agreement will see Keystone become the sole producer of Laine’s beers, supporting its distribution, and maintaining supply to Laine’s 55 pubs and existing customers. It will also open new national routes to market through its extensive trade network.
It will also allow Keystone to further build its brand portfolio in on-trade channels by leveraging the extensive pub estate of Laine, as well as via parent company, Punch Pubs.
Laine Brew Co is known for its creativity, playful innovation, and connection with Gen Z drinkers. This is demonstrated through products like Project Zest, a lemon-based lager which quickly became one of its top sellers.
“This is a true partnership in every sense of the word, and is about unlocking growth for both parties,” said Steve Cox, chief executive of Keystone Brewing Group.
“We will provide the brand with the production infrastructure and national reach it needs to scale sustainably, without losing what makes it unique, while also allowing us to build a relationship with what is a large and successful pubco.
“This comes at a time when Keystone has made major investments across our brewing and packaging sites, reinforcing our ambition to build a £100m portfolio that brings together both challenger and established brands.”
Russ Danks, managing director of Laine, added: “Partnering with Keystone marks an exciting new chapter for Laine Brew Co and our wider business.
“We’re looking forward to leveraging their brewing expertise and strong distribution network to drive exposure of our innovative offering across the UK. It will enable us to keep our focus firmly on our pub estate, which remains at the heart of the Laine business.”
