Two breweries bid to raise extra finance

Exmoor Ales is an established brewery with a range of ales that is expanding from the south-west to UK-wide sales with companies such as JD Wetherspoon (JDW) and directly to consumers having established this as a new channel.

It is offering 5.51% equity with a target of £350,000 and, at the time of publication, has raised £112,000, which is 32% of the target.

Exmoor Ales was established in 1980 and is based in Wiveliscombe, Somerset. It has delivered circa 9,000 brewers barrels this year (2m draught pints, 600,000 bottles) and launched its Pathfinder brewing project, which introduces a new small batch beer each month, in July last year with Exmoor Gold being its flagship ale.

Growing freehouse list

Its beers are available to the on-trade not only to JDW but also to a growing freehouse pub customer list of more than 300 outlets.

With the investment, which is available on Crowdcube, the investment will help Exmoor expand all its revenue channels, increase our brewing capacity and move the business forward into new markets and segments. Its campaign has 19 days more to run on the crowdfunding platform.

Meanwhile, Havabier has raised 97% of its £174,000 target with 15 days remaining on the Crowdcube campaign, which is offering 8.72% equity in the business.

Havabier said it is “on a mission to break the stigma around alcohol-free drinks” as it plans to launch a range of 0% ABV beers.

Market worth £450m in 2024

It is raising funds to fuel its national marketing plans and take on the low and no alcohol market in the UK, which it claims is predicted to be worth more than £450m by 2024.

The business said: “Consumers are complaining current products lack flavour and can be confusing as they state ‘alcohol free’ yet still contain low levels of alcohol.

“Our team weren’t satisfied, so they have developed a brewed beer that is truly 0% alcohol. By following the traditional brewing process, and not blending ingredients, the full flavour of beer is maintained, even without the alcohol.”

Havabier wants to launch a 0% alcohol, gluten-free range of beers and added funds raised will be used to fuel a large brand awareness campaign and help build its digital consumer offering.