RPC advises Shepherd Neame on deal to brew premium Thai lager Singha for UK market

• Agreement has been signed with Boon Rawd Brewery Company Limited 
• Kent-based brewer has been sole distributor of Singha in UK since 2019

International law firm RPC has advised Shepherd Neame on a deal with Boon Rawd Brewery Company to brew premium Thai lager, Singha, for the UK market.

The RPC team, led by Tom Purton, Head of Commercial, Technology and Outsourcing, and supported by commercial associates Jonathan Greenway and Eleanor Harley, provided its expertise to Britain's oldest brewer for the landmark agreement. 

Shepherd Neame, which was established in 1698 and operates 310 pubs and hotels across the South East, has been the sole distributor of Singha (5% ABV) in the UK since 2019.

The new deal means the Kent-based brewer will now brew and pack Singha in 330ml and 630ml single bottles and 30l and 50l kegs at its Faversham brewery, with production already underway. Singha 330ml cans will continue to be imported.

Shepherd Neame will distribute UK-brewed Singha in keg and bottle to selected pubs across London and the South East, as well as to on and off-trade customers nationwide. It will continue to manage Singha’s UK marketing strategy, sales, distribution and promotion.

Commenting on the deal, Tom Purton said: "We were delighted to work with Shepherd Neame in this important evolution of their relationship with Boon Rawd Brewery Company. This agreement brings two leading brands together and it was a pleasure supporting them in their ambition to drive the growth and profile of Singha in the UK.

"This year is already promising to be a busy one for the commercial team at RPC, with several deals on the horizon as companies bounce back post-pandemic and start to re-focus their efforts on strategic growth after a challenging couple of years for so many businesses, notably in the hospitality sector. We look forward to supporting our clients in achieving their aims.”

Shepherd Neame Chief Executive Jonathan Neame said: “We’re delighted to build on our successful partnership with Boon Rawd Brewery, drawing upon our well-established brewing credentials to produce Singha and continue working to raise its profile as an exceptional world lager throughout the UK. 

"Tom Purton has advised Shepherd Neame on numerous commercial transactions over many years and we were delighted to work with him and his team at RPC following his move to the firm in 2021.”