Founders Brewery has sold its brand to Auckland company Boundary Road Brewery, in a deal the businesses say will see Founders beers distributed nationwide.

Nelson's Founders Brewery and Founders Cafe was put on the market by owners Carol and John Duncan in June.

Under the new agreement, the brewery and cafe, in Founders Heritage Park, will continue to be owned and operated by the Duncan family, who have been brewing in the Nelson region for six generations since 1854.

Boundary Road Brewery, based in South Auckland, has acquired the Founders brand and will distribute the products throughout the country.

Mr Duncan said the new relationship would ensure Founders would finally get the nationwide profile it deserved.

"We've been searching for the ideal partner to take us to the next level for well over a year, and we couldn't have found a better one than Boundary Road Brewery.

"For a long time, it's been the family's wish to have others around the country enjoying our beer - now they can.

"We are a brewing family, so we are pleased to be working with an organisation that wants to keep these two elements together while supporting and helping us grow the brand."

Julian Davidson, of Boundary Road, said the Founders name was the legacy of a family that had been brewing for almost 160 years.

"It's not often that a brewery of such stature is still only enjoyed by a few.

"Founders Brewery is a phenomenal story simply because its brewing tradition is nearly the same age as New Zealand itself and it has enormous heritage.

"Our role is to support the Duncan family and the Founders brand with sales and marketing expertise and distribution around New Zealand."

- © Fairfax NZ News