Good Drinks Australia (GDA) has acquired the award-winning Stomping Ground Brewing Group, in a deal which will enable Stomping Ground to continue operating as an independent brewery.
GDA Chief Operating Officer Aaron Heary said the partnership will enable both groups to share each other’s experience, skills and resources and will also help Stomping Ground to achieve its goal of becoming Victoria’s leading independent craft brewery.
“Independence is a core value for both Good Drinks and Stomping Ground, and we want to keep that alive. Stomping Ground and Good Drinks are stronger together than apart, and that’s why we’ve come together,” Heary said.
“We love what Stomping Ground is all about and the track record of founders Steve (Jeffares), Guy (Greenstone) and Justin (Joiner) speaks for itself. They created the pioneering Local Taphouse craft beer bars, along with the GABS Hottest 100 and GABS Festival, the largest craft beer festival in the southern hemisphere.
“Their Beer Halls are best in class and Stomping Ground is currently the Champion Australian Brewery in their category at both the Australian International Beer Awards and Independent Beer Awards, so their beers are obviously outstanding too.
“To put it simply, we’re teaming up with great people. Going forward, we can’t wait to work side-by-side and learn from each other.”
Jeffares added: “There has been a long courtship as we got to know each other, and Guy, Justin and I are excited and confident that, working within the GDA business, will help us both become stronger.”
Jeffares, Greenstone and Joiner will remain involved in the day-to-day running of Stomping Ground and long-time Head Brewer Ashur Hall will also remain and will continue to run brewing operations in Collingwood. Gage Roads head brewer Ross Brown will maintain his role leading the WA based brewery.
The deal sees the Stomping Ground co-founders become “significant shareholders” in GDA and they will also become part of the GDA Executive Group.
“There’s a shared ambition for Stomping Ground to become Victoria’s number one independent beer brand so this really is a win for our customers. With GDA’s help, our beers and brand will be more visible and available than ever before,” Greenstone said. While Joiner added: “We’re proud to be remaining independent and really excited about the next chapter with GDA.”