The Breal Group-owned subsidiary stated the investment will support the next phase of its growth following a period of rapid expansion that has seen iconic brands, including Hofmeister, North, FourPure and Magic Rock, added to its portfolio.
Keystone – which also includes Black Sheep Brewery, Purity Brewing Co, Brick Brewing Co, Brew by Numbers, as well as distribution partnerships with brands such as Big Drop, Wolfpack and Maison Sassy, is forecasting a doubling of its revenue in the next 12 months.
Increasing demand
The latest investment, funded by Breal Group shareholders, will allow Keystone to support this growth, the business said, and “meet increasing demand for its products in export, and both on and off-trade channels, and facilitate a larger capacity, along with production of broader, more diverse products across its portfolio”.
Planned infrastructure upgrades include:
• A 30,000-hectolitre increase in annual fermentation capacity at Black Sheep Brewery
• A 6,000-hectolitre increase in annual fermentation capacity at Purity Brewing Co
• A high-volume canning facility, boosting output from 2,500 to 14,000 cans per hour at Black Sheep
• A pasteurisation facility at Black Sheep Brewery
• New delivery vehicles to strengthen national distribution capabilities
• Two new storage facilities at its Fearby Road packaging facility in Masham, to increase both ambient and chilled storage capacity.
Keystone Brewing Group CEO Steve Cox said: “This investment marks a further major milestone for Keystone as we continue to scale.
Agility to expand
“With new breweries and brands joining the group and demand rising, it gives us the agility and infrastructure to expand capacity while staying true to the quality and character of each of the brands. We’re well-equipped to grow in a way that’s both ambitious and sustainable.”
Breal Group partner and shareholder Mark Williams added: “This amplifies the confidence that we have in Keystone Brewing Group, and indeed this sector for the long term.
“It is tough out there at the minute but we continue to believe that there is a real appetite for premium, value for money beers and ciders.
“Not only is Keystone on track to reach its revenue target of £100m by 2028 but it remains steadfast in its mission to deliver exceptional quality, variety and innovation to consumers both in the UK and worldwide while embracing new possibilities.”
