News
Hogs Back owner acquires South London brewery in pre-pack administration deal
Following a prepack administration, the deal secures the future of Mondo’s brewery and tap room in Battersea, London, with Thomson becoming the chair of new company Mondo Beer Ltd.
Mondo founder and managing director Todd Matteson will continue to lead the business, with support from Hogs Back which will operate as a sister business in areas such as packaging, sales and marketing.
Hogs Back will also deliver a “fresh injection of capital” into the business aimed at delivering growth for Mondo brands such as Dennis Hopp'r, Road Soda and Little Victories.
Mondo will also act as the exclusive distributor of beers from Hogs Back’s new subsidiary One Planet Brewing for London.
‘Bright future ahead for Mondo’
Commenting on the deal, Thompson said: “I've known and respected the founders of Mondo, Todd and Tom, for several years. We've sold their beers in our brewery shop, and we brewed a collaboration beer in 2022.
“It is a challenging market, but despite that Mondo has been growing. The beers and branding are excellent, and I think they have a bright future ahead. Customers want to see imaginative independent and local brands that are not owned by global brewers.”
Meanwhile, Matteson explained that while demand for Mondo beer remained, the business had still been hit by many of “the challenges that have beset so many small brewers”.
“It's wonderful that Rupert has been able to help, and this allows us to move forward,” added Matteson.
“His experience of developing successful beer brands will be invaluable and we're delighted to have him working with us at Mondo Beer, and to have the back up of Hogs Back Brewery.
“We are also excited to have exclusivity for One Planet beers in London. The 100% solar brewed commitment is completely different, and we think it will really resonate with our customers.”
‘Brewing industry must work together’
Reflecting on the financial difficulties that have faced Mondo and many other brewers in its circumstances, Thompson called for the industry to “work together” in the face of challenges.
He continued: "Although Mondo Beer is a standalone business, in terms of synergies with Hogs Back, this is a real town-and-country alliance. By leveraging Mondo's existing distribution strength in London, more pubs and bars will have direct access to Hogs Back beers including the flagship cask ale Tongham TEA. Crucially, we can also now meet demand from the London market for One Planet beers.
“Partnerships such as this new agreement are one way that smaller brewers can continue to compete. Global players have taken a lot of share from London's craft beer market through acquisition, but consumers still want choice.”
In other news, Calbee Group UK has announced plans to invest £12m in its Seabrook Crisps manufacturing facility in Bradford after gaining planning permission.
