On Thursday 1 May, Exmoor Ales announced it would be closing its Taunton brewery and moving production of its beers to Hogs Back Brewery in Tongham, Surrey, due to current market conditions.
Price, who is also managing director of Exmoor Ales, said: “The closure of a brewery is always sad, but in the current market, it is becoming all too common as global brewers’ close opportunities for small local brewers.
“A recent report by the Society of Independent Brewers and Associates (SIBA) showed independent brewers are now denied access to more than half of all the pubs in their local area – this cannot be good for consumer choice.
“We very much hope times will change and Exmoor will retain the support of its loyal local customers.”
Strong following
A letter sent by Price to Exmoor Ales customers explained the move was due to the knock-on effects of the pandemic, inflationary pressures, market changes and tax increases.
It said: “This has meant we need to restructure and close brewery. We looked at a number of options but were concerned we would lose nearly all the jobs, our brands, and our independence.
“Exmoor Ales has a strong following of loyal drinkers, built up over more than 40 years, so we’ve been looking for a solution that will allow us to continue employing people locally and also be in charge of our own sales and future.”
Exmoor’s head brewer will continue brewing using the same recipes and yeast at Hogs Back Brewery while the firm looks at future options.
Price, who will remain in his role as managing director, continued: “I am pleased to announce that we’re collaborating with another family-owned, award-winning independent brewery.
Brighter future
“We will continue distributing our beers locally from Wiveliscombe, with Hogs Back helping with national distribution.”
The managing director added Exmoor would soon share more details of its “exciting plans”, including new product launches, and assured of “continued supply” for customers.
Hogs Back Brewery owner and chair Rupert Thompson added: “In a very challenging market one of the ways to survive and eventually prosper is to enter into close commercial collaborations with like-minded businesses.
“This allows for the sharing of resources, expertise and staff and at the same time saves a very popular local beer brand.
“Hogs Back Brewery has invested to support this restructuring and will hold a minority stake in the exciting new venture.
“The closure of a brewery is always sad and restructuring to allow for a brighter future can be difficult, but if it saves some jobs and keeps popular beers like Exmoor Gold and Best alive then it is worth it.”
