Almost a year ago, the business entered a “strategic partnership” with brewing group Sunrise Alliance Beverages.
At the time, it was revealed production would remain at Gipsy Hill’s existing facilities in south London.
This week (Thursday 9 October), an email sent to customers from Gipsy Hill co-founder Charlie Shaw outlined how as the firm became part of Sunrise Alliance Beverages last winter, the move was designed to guarantee its future in the face of continuing headwinds faced by the industry.
Escalating overheads
Shaw continued to highlight how “eye-watering” rent increases throughout the firm’s tenancy have been “continuous and sharp in nature”.
“Despite all the success we continue to have at Gipsy Hill, including a 19% year-on-year increase in sales of our flagship Hepcat this year, no amount of growth or improved efficiency can offset our escalating overheads,” the co-founder said.
“We have never and will never make changes that compromise the quality of our beers. Whether that’s slashing tank time or changing recipes. Quality remains the bedrock of our business and our brand.”
The email also laid out how the transition will take place once beers produced at Sunrise: Curious Brewery in Kent match the same standards as they do at Hamilton Road.
Company investment
Shaw added: “The plan is to continue to make beer at Gipsy Hill for many years. We will be investing in the equipment required to revive our specials programme and continue our R&D and innovation work.
“It is the leases of the large warehouses we can no longer justify. We are investing heavily in our taproom and we are extending that space into the neighbouring unit.”
Shaw went on to state the impact on jobs with the majority of its production team to be offered roles elsewhere in the business and will be given relocation expenses where necessary.
Gipsy Hill was founded by Shaw and Sam McMeekin in 2014. In 2023, the business launched two carbon-negative beers on draught, without using offsets.
Sunrise formed in January 2021 following the acquisition of St Peter’s Brewery. The business went on to acquire Curious Brewery in 2023 with Portobello Brewing Company joining the group in September 2024.
