Three years after announcing its intention to exit the beer and cider market, Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP) has sold Feral Brewing.

The brewers production facilities have been acquired by Beerfarm. The sale will effectively triple Beerfarm’s beer volume as part of its national growth strategy.

Meanwhile, a consortium of investors and Nail Brewing have separately undertaken a joint purchase of Feral Brewing Co. from CCEP.

Beerfarm founder and director Ian Atkins said: “Feral’s Bassendean production facilities are in fantastic condition which means we will continue to produce the same quality of independent craft beer – just substantially more.

“This means more Australians can get to enjoy this West Australian export, so there’s a lot to raise a glass to here as we progress taking our beers from our farm to more parts of the country.”

CCEP Australia Managing Director Orlando Rodriguez said: “We are proud of the performance of the Feral business and the journey we have been on with our brand, customers, and suppliers. Our sensational Feral team has been integral to the Feral experience and brand, and a huge contributor to its overall track record of performance.

“We are proud of everything they have achieved and are excited by what the future holds for Feral under new ownership.”

Nail Brewing head brewer and owner John Stallwood said: “The quality and shelf life of [Feral] beers are produced at the highest level and have earned them many well-deserved accolades. We appreciate the opportunity to collaborate with the team and look forward to working on even more unique beers.”

Completion of the transaction is expected in mid-June with a full transition over the next three to six months.

Coca-Cola Europacific Partners announced in 2021 that it had decided to exit the beer and cider market in Australia after a strategic review of its operations.

At the time, industry players told the Australian Financial Review they expected the business could fetch between $50 million and $60 million.

“On the back of the double-digit growth our Feral brand has achieved over the last four years and the strong business and brand loyalty the Feral team in WA has built, we are excited about what the future holds for Feral Brewing Company,” said CCEP General Manager for Australia, Pacific and Indonesia Peter West.

“It’s time for this craft brand, a WA jewel, to stretch its potential under new ownership.”

Feral Brewing sold 100% of the company to Coca-Cola Amatil in 2017. At the time, Amatil said it was a space it didn’t play in, but was in strong growth, “which plays perfectly into our long-term beer strategy to build our business to scale through credible beers that really resonate with today’s consumers.”