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M&A: Heineken acquires Stassen

(beveragemanager.net) - Dutch brewer Heineken said Friday that it has acquired Belgian cider maker Stassen SA. In addition to its strong research and development capabilities and facilities, the acquisition of Stassen provides the company with cider making capacity in continental Europe.

“We are excited about Stassen Ciders and its employees becoming part of the Heineken company. Stassen’s strong R&D and innovation capabilities will serve us well in a time when there is a lot of new product activity in the category. Consumers around the world are increasingly intrigued by cider and its unique, refreshing taste, 100% natural ingredients and rich heritage and we are well positioned to capitalize on this opportunity,” said Alexis Nasard, Chief Commercial Officer of Heineken.

Stassen operates a cider making facility, a R&D facility - including a new product pilot plant - and a de-alcoholisation facility for cider, beer and wine. The company has unique cider R&D knowledge and expertise and was closely involved in the development of several of Heineken’s recently introduced ciders, such as Strongbow Gold, Jacques and Bulmers No. 17. (bmg)