Earlier this week, Molson Coors Beverage Company (MCBC) said it was considering proposals that would result in the closure of the Sharp’s Brewery in Cornwall and the National Contact Centre in Cardiff.
The global brewer said the move would unlock efficiencies and cost-savings to fuel its long-term growth.
While the proposals are still subject to consultation, it could result in around 200 redundancies across the Molson Coors UK&I business.
Following the news, the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) chief executive Tom Stainer said: “This is just another example of a global brewing giant destroying the nation’s cask brewing heritage.
Brewing heritage
“Sharp’s has been brewing cask for more than 30 years and this will just be dismantled overnight. Trying to produce iconic Cornish beers outside of the Duchy would be a disgrace.”
He added too many cask brands and brewers are being lost at the hands of “global giants more interested in profit than brewing heritage”.
“Not only does it impact our local pubs and consumer choice, but it damages Cornish and UK brewing heritage, culture and of course jobs”, Stainer continued.
“This once again puts a spotlight on the stranglehold global brewing giants have over our pubs.
“The Government must use their Access to Market Review to ensure that local, independent brewers and cider makers can get their produce on offer at the bar, so the wide range of beer styles that the UK’s pubs are known for can be protected and expanded.”
Difficult decision
However, Molson Coors asserted it remained committed to the Sharp’s brand, adding the announcement comes after exploring every alternative option to make the site financially sustainable.
Since acquiring Sharp’s, which is known for its Doombar and Twin Coast beers, in 2011, Molson Coors has invested more than £20m in the brewery to expand capacity, upgrade equipment, support innovation and strengthen its portfolio.
Molson Coors managing director UK & Ireland Simon Kerry said: “The proposed closure of Sharp’s Brewery has not been an easy decision for us to make.
“However, the site is no longer financially sustainable as part of our national production network.”
