Svaneke Bryghus takes over Bornholm's organic cider house

Svaneke Bryghus takes over Bornholms Mosteri from October 1st. The takeover occurs after the distillery once again delivered an unsatisfactory financial report, according to a press release from the brewery, which earlier this year also became the majority owner of the Bornholm microbrewery Small Batch. After several challenging years for the distillery in Rønne, the previous ownership group admits that the company needs a stronger organization around it, states a joint press release from Bornholms Mosteri and its new owner Svaneke Bryghus. “We have been working purposefully and patiently on the development of Bornholms Mosteri for some time because we believed in the company, the products, and the role the distillery can play on Bornholm. The commitment has been driven by a desire to support Bornholm and a local producer of must, lemonade, and sodas. Therefore, it is also bittersweet to pass the baton. But now, something different is needed—a big brother that can give the products a stronger commercial foundation. And we are convinced that Svaneke Bryghus can do that,” says Filip Lau, chairman of Bornholms Mosteri’s former ownership group. The group consisted of Ocean Prawns A/S, Insepa A/S, Premium Beer Holding ApS, Filip Lau, and Lars Nørby Johansen. Unites Bornholm beverages Svaneke Bryghus sees a natural fit in bringing Bornholms Mosteri into the portfolio. With Bornholms Mosteri, Small Batch, and Svaneke Bryghus combined, it will be possible to offer restaurants, cafes, hotels, and other customers a broader Bornholm beverage package—with beer, must, lemonade, and sodas from Bornholm. “We are very much looking forward to welcoming Bornholms Mosteri and the new colleagues. The distillery has strong products and a clear Bornholm identity, which fits well with us,” says Martin Westh-Hansen, director of Svaneke Bryghus. Bornholms Mosteri will continue production for the time being in the premises at Rønne Harbour, where the company can operate until 2028. In the new setup, the distillery will become part of Svaneke Bryghus’s overall organization. The transition is planned in dialogue with the employees, with the goal of ensuring stable operations and a stronger commercial foundation for the products. “The first task will be to strengthen the distillery’s local presence on Bornholm. We know from Svaneke Bryghus that strong sales here on the island can create ripples across the rest of the country. At the same time, we will have better opportunities to pool efforts around production, sales, and distribution, thereby leveraging synergies,” says Martin Westh-Hansen.