Massive deal for Adelaide Hills craft booze producers

The craft drinks business is booming and fast moving Mighty Craft has announced the acquisition of Adelaide Hills Distillery, Mismatch Brewing, Hills Cider and the Lot.100 venue. 

Mighty Craft managing director Mark Haysman (below) announced the purchases of the businesses and the 84-hectare Lot 100 property in the Adelaide Hills.

As part of the $47 million transaction, the businesses’ co-founders Sacha La Forgia, Ewan Brewerton, Steve Dorman and Toby Kline will be retained to drive growth for the brands.

The combination aims to transform Mighty Craft into a producer, wholesaler, and retailer, as well as create one of the largest craft spirit producers in Australia and the potential to be a leading player in the craft whisky market.

Haysman is excited by the cross-market opportunities that will be created by the enlarged craft beverage portfolio, bringing the required scale, synergies, and profitability to the Mighty Craft business.

Haysman says that having the highly specialised production and management from the Adelaide Hills-based businesses in Mighty Craft to help integrate the brands, from a production, distribution, and sales and marketing perspective, was an essential part of the deal.

"This merger wouldn’t have been possible without the support of Sacha, Ewan, Steve and Toby and we warmly welcome them to the Mighty Craft team," he said. "They will guide us through this transition, ensure alignment of both our interests and people, and drive growth for all our brands.” 

Adelaide Hills Distillery’s founder and head distiller La Forgia said he was excited by the opportunities for growth and profitability.

“We’re thrilled to be part of an incredible team that champions the growth of the Australian craft beverage industry," he said. "Their knowledge and team will give us a unique position to grow; not only with our current portfolio but also our emerging whisky offer that will now be part of one Australia’s largest craft spirit producers.”

Mighty Craft, formerly known as Founders First, also includes craft brands Ballistic Beer Co (Qld), Sauce Brewing (NSW), Slipstream Brewing (Qld), Brogan’s Way Distillery (Vic), Torquay Beverage Co (Vic), Foghorn Brewery (NSW), Jetty Road Brewery (Vic) and Darwin-based Seven Seasons, which was started by former Port Adelaide footballer Daniel Motlop.