Asahi UK To Cease Direct Distribution from Griffin Brewery

Logistics staff to be transferred to another company

The delivery entrance to the Griffin Brewery in Chiswick

September 11, 2026

Asahi UK has announced that it will cease its distribution operations at the historic Griffin Brewery site in Chiswick, with a “significant” number of employees expected to transfer to the new distributor. The move marks a major shift in how beer brewed at the Fuller's Griffin Brewery will reach pubs, bars and retailers across the UK with logistics now to be handled by a third party.

The Chiswick warehouse currently handles deliveries of Asahi UK’s own brands as well as third‑party wholesale products. Under the new arrangement, staff in the distribution arm are expected to transfer to Matthew Clark, part of the Irish drinks group C&C. Asahi has not disclosed how many employees are affected, nor whether they will continue working in Chiswick or be relocated.

Asahi’s brewing operations — centred on production at the Griffin Brewery — will continue unchanged. The brewery, founded in 1845, was acquired by Asahi in January 2019 when the Japanese drinks giant bought Fuller’s beer business for £250 million. The deal included the Griffin Brewery, its brands and associated production facilities, but not Fuller’s pubs, which remained under separate ownership.

The latest development comes as C&C Group, which owns Matthew Clark, Bibendum and brands including Bulmers and Innis & Gunn, has agreed to acquire Asahi UK’s wholesale distribution business. The transaction, due to complete in early October, was made for a nominal payment and includes Salisbury‑based Nectar Imports.

Once completed, C&C will assume all customer and supplier relationships, intellectual property, a leased depot and assets including vehicles and stock. Wholesale operations will be handled entirely by Matthew Clark, with current Asahi distribution staff transferring under the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) regulations.

A spokesperson for Asahi UK said the company would cease all direct distribution as a result of the deal. “This includes current direct distribution from its Griffin Brewery in Chiswick, which is used as a warehouse for deliveries of both Asahi UK brands and third‑party wholesale products. A significant number of employees are expected to transfer to Matthew Clark via TUPE, in accordance with and dependent on the conditions of the transaction.”

Tim Clay, managing director of Asahi UK, said the agreement would allow the company to sharpen its focus on brewing, build premium brands and invest in growth. The company’s UK portfolio includes Peroni Nastro Azzurro, Asahi Super Dry, Fuller’s London Pride and Dark Star.

C&C Group, headquartered in Dublin, said the acquisition would strengthen its position in the UK drinks market and expand its distribution capabilities.