Watch: Crisp Malt Brings Community Brewing to Richardson’s Global Reach
August 27, 2025
When Richardson International acquired Crisp Malt in 2023, the deal was as much about expanding its value-added portfolio as it was about aligning with a like-minded partner. The two companies, with a combined 323 years of operational history, hold values rooted in quality ingredients, exceptional customer service, and partner collaboration — whether it be their grower partners, global distribution partners, or, if you’re Crisp Malt, local craft brewery partners.
The English-based malting company is known for special collaborations with small, independent brewers, not only in their homebase of the U.K., but across its international markets. It’s an approach that separates Crisp from other suppliers. They’re not just supplying the malt. They’re working one-on-one with brewers, visiting their production facilities, and coming together to co-create recipes that innovate. This tradition is one that Colin Johnston (Sales & Marketing Director) says honours the early beginnings of Crisp — not to mention the industry as a whole.
Colin Johnston Sales & Marketing Director Crisp Malt
“This industry’s existence is fundamentally about bringing people together for connection and for partnership,” says Johnston. “Collaboration is at the heart of that.”
From recipe concept to execution, Crisp is involved and invested. The company hires professionals with real brewery experience, allowing them to understand the challenges brewers face and work in partnership to help them maximize their ingredients.
“This way, you get both parties to bring their creativity,” says Johnston. “The brewer gets to bring their expertise as to the kind of beers they enjoy making, the kind of beers they think will resonate with customers, and the kind of beers that work best with their brew kit. And then we,” he continues, “get to bring ideas from the industry. We spend a lot of time going around different breweries, and we absorb all that knowledge to bring in new ideas. Combine that with our knowledge of our own ingredients, and it’s a very exciting, fulfilling process.”
Par to the creative process, Johnston notes these collaborations are building trust with their customers. Crisp believes true connection occurs when their team is physically present in the brewery, discussing beer, ingredients, and flavour. The investment of time in relationships is their way of growing long-lasting partnerships — an ideal that Crisp regards as pivotal to its business identity, and an ideal that Richardson shares with the maltster. Where Crisp excels is community-level collaboration, forming deep, meaningful connections that go beyond transactions. By embedding themselves within local brewing communities, Crisp and Richardson International are not just suppliers, they are partners invested in the success of their customers.
To celebrate Crisp Malt’s entry into Richardson International’s business, Crisp did what they do best and partnered with Winnipeg-based Nonsuch Brewing Co. for a meaningful collaboration.
