The Damm Eagle Brewery now includes an additional brewstream and new canning line, meaning it has almost doubled capacity to 1.8m hectolitres a year, with a target of 2m by 2027.
This ‘unprecedented’ investment is part of Damm’s aim to be the UK’s largest independent beer company.
Furthermore, it is expected this investment phase is expected to double the number of direct employees at the brewery.
The business also said it was expanding its scope of work and will be launching an accelerator programme in the UK for industry businesses and start-ups to support innovation production and distribution in one operation.
Company commitment
Damm acquired the brewery from what was Carlsberg Marston’s Brewing Company (now Carlsberg Britvic) for an undisclosed sum in November 2022.
Damm managing director Jorge Villavecchia said: “Our commitment goes beyond capital investment.
“We are bringing skills, innovation and a vision of how industry must evolve to remain competitive: more digital, more sustainable, more resilient.
“This country has shown time and again, it’s ability to adapt and emerge stronger from adversity.
“That is why we believe our decision to invest in Bedford will contribute not only to Damm’s growth but also to the resilience of the UK’s wider economy.”
Innovation support
Investment minister Jason Stockwood called Damm’s investment “a vote of confidence in the UK”.
“The UK is proud to be the location of Damm’s first brewery outside the Iberian Peninsula,” he said.
“Since acquiring the brewery, Damm has tripled its number of direct employees in the UK. [It’s] investment will support sustainability through a new canning line equipped with significant advances in technology and energy efficiency and it will support innovation through a new incubator hub.”
Earlier this year (July), Damm launched Estrella Damm 0.0% on draught in selected on-trade venues.
Prior to this, March saw the business team up with Leeds-based craft brewery Northern Monk.
The agreement saw Damm assume distribution of Northern Monk brands Faith (5% ABV) and A Little Faith (4% ABV) in the UK on-trade from May 2025.
