Damm UK faces Old Speckled Hen delivery delays after its brand acquisition

Damm UK said some bars and pubs in Britain are facing delays in receiving Old Speckled Hen products as the company completes the logistics transition that followed its acquisition of the brand, stressing that the problem is not a production shortage but a temporary disruption in deliveries.

The Bedford-based drinks company acknowledged that, for licensees waiting on stock, the delays can feel like a shortage when beer does not arrive on time. In a statement issued as concerns grew among on-trade customers, a spokesperson said the company has been working to move Old Speckled Hen into Damm UK’s distribution network since the acquisition was completed, including a broad range of stock-keeping units across cask, keg and packaged formats.

According to Damm UK, much of that transition is now broadly complete and many customers around the country are already receiving stock. The company said it is trying to keep the brand visible at the bar while limiting disruption for operators during the handover period.

The delays come during what Damm UK described as an unusually busy stretch for the trade. The company said warm summer weather and strong performances by England’s national soccer team have increased demand in pubs and added pressure to a supply chain that was already being adjusted to new ownership and logistics arrangements.

Damm UK said the issue is tied to administration and operations linked to the changeover rather than any lack of beer being brewed. The spokesperson said the company is working with Greene King to reduce the impact on customers as quickly as possible.

For pub operators, even short delivery interruptions can create immediate problems. A missing line on the bar can leave gaps in a beer range, push venues to adjust orders at short notice and potentially shift demand toward substitute products. In a busy trading period, those disruptions can matter beyond one brand because they affect planning, customer choice and sales across the wider drinks business.

Damm UK said the ordering process for customers has not changed despite the transfer of Old Speckled Hen into its portfolio and logistics system. The company said licensees do not need to take any extra steps to place orders and should continue using the same process as before.

The Old Speckled Hen family includes Old Golden Hen, Old Craft Hen and Old Master Hen. Damm UK said those products are now broadly integrated into its portfolio. If customers continue to face delays, the company said they should contact their account manager for help resolving individual cases.

The company also said it is willing to discuss alternative products from its portfolio with licensees if delays persist and temporary replacements are needed. At the same time, it asked operators to remain patient while final logistics details are completed and said it remains committed to maintaining Old Speckled Hen’s place in pub ranges.