Red Stripe
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| Manufacturer | Desnoes & Geddes |
|---|---|
| Introduced | 1928 |
| Alcohol by volume | 4.7% |
| Style | Lager |
Red Stripe is a 4.7% ABV pale lager brewed by Desnoes & Geddes in Jamaica. It was first produced in 1928 from a recipe developed by Paul H. Geddes, and Bill Martindale. It is brewed under license in the UK and USA. In 1993, Guinness Brewing Worldwide, now Diageo, acquired a controlling interest in Desnoes & Geddes, and took over international distribution in many markets. In 2015, Heineken acquired Diageo's stake and stated it would launch an offer for the shares it did not own.
Red Stripe was first produced in 1928 from a recipe developed by Paul H. Geddes (the son of founder Thomas Geddes) and Bill Martindale. Red Stripe was brewed under license in the UK from Desnoes and Geddes by the Bedford- based brewers, Charles Wells from 1976 until 2014, when Diageo made alternative supply arrangements.
In 1985, the brand was first imported to the United States. In 1993, 51 percent ownership in Desnoes & Geddes Limited was purchased by Guinness Brewing Worldwide, now Diageo, an acquisition that significantly increased the international distribution of both Red Stripe and Dragon Stout. A new Red Stripe Light has also been added which is brewed and bottled in Jamaica and imported by Guinness in Stamford, Connecticut.
In 1985, the brand was first imported to the United States with poor initial results. With an eye towards the success of Heineken, Red Stripe for export was packaged in green standard 12 U.S. fl oz (355 mL; 12.5 imp fl oz) bottles. American consumers exposed to Red Stripe through their travels to Jamaica as well as Jamaican expatriates were reluctant to try the brand in the States since it was not packaged in its distinctive squat brown bottle and painted label. This marketing issue was resolved only to have shipments temporarily suspended in January 1989 due to cannabis smuggling in shipping containers discovered in the Port of Miami. Red Stripe recovered and rode the popularity of dance hall and reggae in the early 1990s to well over a million cases of annual distribution. Red Stripe is a significant sponsor of reggae, ska, and other music events, including the annual Reggae Sumfest hosted in Montego Bay.
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