Heineken Ireland
Credit: M.Minderhoud.

Dutch brewer Heineken acquired a minority stake in premium tonic and mixer brand Double Dutch.

Twin sisters Raissa and Joyce de Haas own the premium tonic and mixer brand.

The investment from Heineken will be used by Double Dutch to expand its presence.

Financial details of the deal are yet to be divulged by either company.

Double Dutch co-founder Raissa de Haas said: “We are delighted to have the Heineken family on board and it’s an honour that they recognise the potential of our business.

“As well as being hugely exciting commercially, the relationship is a perfect cultural fit – both businesses are Dutch, family-owned and female-driven – we couldn’t be happier.”

Under the deal, Michel de Carvalho, who owns 23% stake in Heineken, will join the supervisory board of Double Dutch brands.

Michel de Carvalho will make use of Heineken’s global network to further support Double Dutch’s growth.

Michel de Carvalho said: “This is our first family venture into tonics and Double Dutch is an exciting brand with two driven, ambitious young Dutch women entrepreneurs behind it.

“No longer a start-up brand, it has captured an 8% market share in the UK which is a testament to the founders’ hard work and tenacity.

“I am optimistic, despite the challenges that the current pandemic presents, that Double Dutch will continue to grow exponentially as it has done over the last three years.

“I see the growth in premium tonics continuing, with the demand for luxury soft drinks, healthier low sugar alternatives and unique mixers for exclusive variants of gin and vodka increasing, and Double Dutch fulfils all of those.”

Last June, Heineken acquired a minority stake in Oedipus Brewing, a craft brewery based in the Netherlands.

The deal was expected to expand its product quality and distribution network. As per the deal, Oedipus retains full control of the brewing process.