Carlsberg Britvic has announced plans to close its Marston’s Brewery in Burton upon Trent, citing “structural category decline” in ale.
The beer and soft drinks supplier has told staff and trade union partners it intends to shutter Marston’s production brewery and logistics operations at the site next summer.
The move would impact 310 staff working at the site, Carlsberg Britvic confirmed to The Grocer.
The Marston’s Brewery was acquired as part of Carlsberg UK’s merger with Marston’s Brewing Company in 2020 and produces ales from brands including Hobgoblin, McEwan’s and Brooklyn, sold in both the UK on and off-trade.
The brands would remain a part of Carlsberg Britvic’s “multi-beverage portfolio”, the supplier said, adding it was “actively seeking new homes for other cask and regional ale brands” also made at the brewery.
The proposed closure was driven by “structural category decline and a need to create greater long-term value”, Carlsberg Britvic said.
“I am very aware that this news will have come as a shock for colleagues, as I recognise the impact of this proposal is significant,” Carlsberg Britvic CEO Paul Davies said. “While we remain proud of the role we have played in supporting and investing in the ale category overall, the stark reality is that UK cask ale volumes have more than halved in less than a decade, and this trend looks set to continue across the UK.
“It is my role to ensure Carlsberg Britvic’s multi-beverage portfolio is focused where consumers are today, and where customer demand is growing.
“That said, smaller ale brands are much loved by select consumers, and we will do everything we can to ensure they thrive under more specialist or local ownership in the future.”
Marston’s Brewery’s heritage
Addressing the future of the Marston’s Brewery site, Davies added: “Marston’s Brewery, its history and legacy in Burton upon Trent are iconic, and our teams there are true experts in ale. Their skill, craft and knowledge have shaped the industry for generations, just as our logistics teams have always delivered exemplary customer service. This proposal, therefore, is by no means a reflection on any of our people, and every effort will be made to help them through this period of uncertainty.
“Marston’s Brewery and the primary logistics operation are expected to continue to operate during the transition period, while the company works through the detail of the consultation. As and when key decisions are taken over the coming months, we will share further information with the industry, but always with our colleagues first.”
Reacting angrily to the proposed closure, Ash Corbett-Collins, chairman of consumer campaign group Camra, said: “I was born and raised in Burton, and I’m proud of our place at the centre of British brewing. Unfortunately, statements from Carlsberg about understanding the importance of the brewery to the town come far too little too late.
“This announcement is an absolute disgrace, and the latest in a string of actions that show how little they care about our brewing heritage or the nation’s drinkers.
“However, we do agree with Carlsberg on one thing. The time is right to think about alternative, independent, brewers who are willing to become custodians of Carlsberg’s cask brands and will finally do the beers the justice they deserve.”
No comments yet