Carlsberg plans to close Marston’s brewery in UK
Carlsberg says Hobgoblin, McEwan’s and Brooklyn will remain in its portfolio, while it seeks new owners for other cask and regional ale brands.
UK – Danish brewing group Carlsberg has proposed closing its Marston’s brewery in Burton upon Trent, UK, and its primary logistics operation north of Birmingham from 2027, citing declining demand for ale and the need to improve long-term value.
Carlsberg’s UK arm said employees and trade union representatives had been informed of the proposals. Both the brewery and logistics operations are expected to continue running while the company consults stakeholders and works through the details of the proposed closures.
The Burton upon Trent site produces several beer brands, including Hobgoblin, McEwan’s and Brooklyn. Carlsberg said these “priority ale brands” would remain in its portfolio, while it was “actively seeking new homes for other cask and regional ale brands”.
The group said the proposals were “driven both by structural category decline and a need to create greater long-term value”.
Paul Davies, chief executive of Carlsberg Britvic, acknowledged the potential impact on employees and other stakeholders.
“I recognise the impact of this proposal is significant,” Davies said.
He added that UK cask ale volumes had fallen sharply, creating challenges for the category.
“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,” he said.
Davies said Carlsberg Britvic needed to focus its multi-beverage portfolio on changing consumer preferences and growing demand. However, he noted that smaller ale brands retained loyal audiences.
“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,” he said.
The proposed UK closures come as Carlsberg expands its international beverage operations. Earlier this month, the company opened a non-alcoholic beverage plant in Kazakhstan following a US$344 million investment. The facility can produce up to one billion litres annually under licence from PepsiCo.
Carlsberg has also expanded its partnership with PepsiCo, agreeing to become the soft drinks company’s bottling partner in Georgia and Armenia. Under the agreements, Carlsberg will produce, sell and distribute PepsiCo’s beverage portfolio in both markets.
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