Good Drinks Australia lands exclusive distribution deal with Rekorderlig Cider

Good Drinks Australia, Australia’s largest craft brewer, has announced that it has entered into an exclusive distribution partnership with Rekorderlig Cider. Effective from 1 July this year, the new deal will position the Australian distributor as the third most important force in Australia’s cider sector.

"Good Drinks Australia is thrilled to add Rekorderlig Cider to our growing portfolio of brands becoming the partner of choice for the Australian wholesale liquor trade and bringing the taste of Swedish craftsmanship to even more consumers across Australia," said John Hoedemaker, Good Drinks Australia Managing Director.

"There are many shared qualities between our two organisations, such as our dedication to quality and innovation, which have contributed to Rekorderlig Cider becoming a beloved brand worldwide. We're enthusiastic about incorporating this brand into our business."

The acquisition follows on from CCEP’s March termination of its almost 10 year exclusive distribution and sales partnership with AB Åbro Bryggeri (ABRO), brand owner of Rekorderlig. The cider brand will add to Good Drinks Australia’s extensive international portfolio, which also includes Miller Chill, Miller Genuine Draft, Molson Coors, Magners Irish Cider and San Miguel. 

“We are pleased to have found such a strong business partner in Good Drinks Australia,” said ABRO’s Managing Director Henrik Dunge. 

“With its national footprint and sales capability, we are confident that our brands are in good hands and look forward to growing our brands in Australia together.”

Rekorderlig, a Swedish Cider brand made using pure Swedish spring water, will join Good Drinks Australia’s expansive portfolio of brands such as Gage Roads Brew Co, Matso’s Broome and Sunshine Coast Brewery, Rider, Atomic, Alby, and Hello Sunshine. 

The end of the partnership between CCEP and ABRO follows the August 2023 announcement of the termination of the CCEP and Beam Suntory partnership, following the formation of Suntory Oceania. The partnership between CCEP and Beam Suntory is scheduled to permanently conclude in H2 of next year.

In March, CCEP’s Vice President Tobias Hoogewerf said, “as the CCEP organisation continues to align as a bottler of our brand partner, The Coca-Cola Company (TCCC), re-aligning Rekorderlig cider to a distributor with similar future ambitions in the cider category will enable brand owner ABRO to best maximise its future growth ambitions for Rekorderlig in Australia.” 

Since announcing the end of its distribution of Rekorderlig, CCEP has also revealed that it will be offloading Feral Brewing Co to Beerfarm. CCEP’s Australian Managing Director Orlando Rodriguez said the sale has been made in an effort to rechannel the brand’s focus around its non-alcoholic portfolio. 

“The sale of Feral Brewing Company will ensure Feral is ideally positioned for the next exciting phase of growth, while enabling us to focus on our core NARTD portfolio,” said Rodriguez.

“We are proud of the performance of the Feral business and the journey we have been on with our brand, customers and suppliers.”