About us

Our Story

At Sunrise Beverages, we believe exceptional beverages are about passion, crafting with precision, and sharing with purpose.

We're a collective of independent-minded brands refusing to compromise on quality, and founded on the principle that great taste isn’t something to be sacrificed for commercial success. We’ve built our reputation through partnerships with dedicated drinks makers who share our commitment to excellence.

Each of the brands within our portfolio maintains its unique character and heritage while benefitting from our expertise, resources and market reach.

Our History

Sunrise formed in January 2021 following the acquisition of St Peter’s Brewery.

St. Peter’s Brewery is one of England’s original craft breweries. Founded in 1996 in former traditional agricultural buildings alongside the moated St. Peter’s Hall, deep in the picturesque Suffolk countryside.

Curious Brewery was acquired in September 2023.

Curious Brewery was founded in 2009 by England’s largest winemaker, Chapel Down. In 2018 they moved into their state of the art Brewery in Ashford Kent, upscaling the production of Beers & Cider, inspired by winemaking techniques.

Orion has been produced under licence by Sunrise since August 2024.

Based in Okinawa since 1957, Orion is Japan’s fifth‑largest brewer. Dominating the Okinawan market and offering a light, crisp lager made using pure spring water and German/Czech ingredients. Its flagship Orion Draft, is known for its easy‑drinking, summery flavour profile. Clean, mildly sweet, and refreshing.

Portobello joined the group in September 2024.

Portobello Brewing Company, founded in 2010 in West London, is inspired by the spirit of Portobello Road. Known for its flagship London Pilsner, which is enjoyed all over the city, from Portobello to Peckham.

Gipsy Hill Brewery joined the group in October 2024.

Founded in 2014 in South London, Gipsy Hill brews full flavoured and moreish craft beers. Every decision made is driven by quality, innovation and engagement with the local community.

Efes has been produced under license by Sunrise since December 2024.

Efes brewed its first beer in 1969, near the historic city of Ephesus. From those beginnings, Efes Pilsener has grown to become one of the most distinct Mediterranean lagers—celebrated for its heritage, character, and uncompromising quality

Meet the Team

We’re a people-first business. Redefining opportunities that the industry offers.

Our approach is not traditional acquisition; we’re building partnerships with established brands and helping them to flourish. All while maintaining the core of their brand identities. We provide strategic guidance, operational support and commercial expertise to amplify what makes each brand unique.

Richard Mather

CEO

16 years Investment, corporate finance & strategy experience including 6 at SABMiller and 10 at Genesis Investment Management.

Cigdem Kurtulus

Group Chief Commercial Officer

More than 23 years’ experience at Unilever, Reckitt and L’Oreal across local & global senior management roles. Leading Sunrise Commercial functions including Sales, Marketing and Go to Market Operations.

Katie Hetherington

Head of Strategic Finance and FP&A

Background in backing and building consumer brands – spanning investment, strategy and hands-on value creation. Driving strategic M&A while building out cross-functional financial and business partnering capabilities.

Hayley Scorey

HR Director

21 years experience at St Peter's Brewery & Sunrise, including 10 as a Director spanning broad HR & company operations. Associate Member of the CIPD.

Julie Hinsley

Director of Commercial and Finance Operations

Completed 10 years as Finance Manager for the UK Holiday Group before joining St Peters Brewery 25 years ago and being appointed Finance Director shortly after.

Mission

Our mission is to raise the bar across the beverage industry, putting our customers and consumers first.

We build long-term partnerships based on excellence and integrity.

We value integrity, instilling a growth mindset and platform for agility helping entrepreneurship to flourish.

Vision

We want to be the most successful independent beverage company in the UK.

Providing our customers and consumers with great products and a premium service to help them to raise the bar.

To challenge the ordinary, celebrate the extraordinary, and bring people together through simple moments.