Additional reporting By Anne Brockhoff


The UK cider company HP Bulmer has sold its US operation based in Vermont for an undisclosed price.


Talking to just-drinks, a company spokesman said a newly created organisation called Green Mountain Beverages, which includes several current employees of Bulmers USA, supported by individual investors, has taken over the business.


The deal includes the plant in Middlebury and the domestic brands Cider Jack and Woodchuck, together with the distribution rights to Strongbow, Woodpecker and Bulmers Original for an initial five-year period.


“We plan to operate on a ‘business as usual basis’ and make this transition seamless for our distributors,” Green Mountain Chairman and CEO Walt Scott said in a statement. “We have great expectations for the cider category, and plan to concentrate our resources against our cider brands.”
   
David Spivey of Beacon Point Consulting was named CFO. Bret Williams and Paul DiPhillips, current Bulmers USA sales executives, will head up sales and marketing, respectively.  Barry Blake, past vice president of marketing for Woodchuck Draft Cider will be a senior consultant.

GlobalData Strategic Intelligence

US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?

Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.

By GlobalData

HP Bulmer is currently being taken over by the UK brewer Scottish & Newcastle. Earlier this month S&N said it had received valid acceptances for 72.4% of the shares in the cider producer. It is now awaiting approval for the deal from the UK’s Office of Fair Trading and from the European Competition Commission.


HP Bulmer announced six months ago that it was looking to divest its American business as part of a general restructuring. The company has two other major international operations, a joint venture in South Africa and European business based in Belgian.


The company is currently in talks to divest its share of the South African joint venture, although the spokesman said there was no news on that front. It has no current plans to divest its European business.

Just Drinks Excellence Awards - Have you nominated?

Nominations are now open for the prestigious Just Drinks Excellence Awards - one of the industry's most recognised programmes celebrating innovation, leadership, and impact. This is your chance to showcase your achievements, highlight industry advancements, and gain global recognition. Don't miss the opportunity to be honoured among the best - submit your nomination today!

Nominate Now