The brewer said the decision followed a six-month consultation with employees, launched in February. Affected employees are being supported through the transition and in finding new roles.
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The confirmation follows Molson Coors’ announcement in February that it was planning to close the Sharp’s Brewery site and its National Contact Centre in Cardiff.
Molson Coors acquired Sharp’s in 2011 and said it had invested more than £20m in the brewery since then to expand capacity, upgrade equipment, support innovation and strengthen the Sharp’s portfolio.
However, it said changing consumer tastes and pressure on the cask ale category meant the site was no longer financially sustainable as part of its national production network.
Brands to continue
Heads of terms have been agreed for brewing of Sharp’s cask brands, including Doom Bar, Sea Fury and Atlantic Pale Ale, to move to independent, family-owned brewer Camerons.
Production of Sharp’s keg and packaged brands will continue at Molson Coors’ Burton and Tadcaster breweries.
Molson Coors said the assessment process focused on quality, consistency, continuity of supply and securing the long-term future of the Sharp’s portfolio.
Simon Kerry, managing director, UK and Ireland at Molson Coors Beverage Company, said: “This has been an incredibly difficult period for everyone involved with Sharp’s. The brewery has been a huge part of our business for the last 15 years and is home to some of the most passionate and talented people in the beer industry.
Unfortunately, despite our best efforts and continued investment over the years, the brewery is no longer financially sustainable, and we have had to take decisive action to help support long-term growth in our UK and Ireland business.
Simon Kerry
Cask pressure
Kerry said the agreement with Camerons would allow Sharp’s brands to continue.
He added: “We are pleased to have agreed heads of terms with a family-owned and experienced cask brewer that will allow Sharp’s brands to continue and ensure that our consumers continue to enjoy the brands they know and love.
“For now, our focus is on supporting our impacted colleagues throughout this transition.”
The announcement comes amid continued pressure on the brewing sector, with previous analysis showing brewery closures had slowed in the first half of 2026 but cost, tax and demand pressures remained.
