Carlsberg Britvic yesterday (Thursday 8 October) announced plans to close Marston’s Burton-upon-Trent brewery, alongside its on-site logistics operation in summer 2027, putting around 300 jobs at risk.
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The company said the decision had not been made lightly and was the result of falling cask volumes across its portfolio, while acknowledging the brewery was an important historic asset operated by “true experts”.
However, CAMRA warned the move would have “dramatic consequences” for the town, which has been a centre of brewing heritage for centuries.
CAMRA chairman Ash Corbett-Collins said: “I was born and raised in Burton, and I’m proud of our place at the centre of British brewing.
Absolute disgrace
“Unfortunately, statements from Carlsberg about understanding the importance of the brewery to the town come far too little too late for most people, CAMRA included.
“This announcement is an absolute disgrace, and the latest in a string of actions that show how little they care about our brewing heritage or the nation’s drinkers.”
The site, which dates back to the 1800s, brews a number of prominent cask beers, including Hobgoblin and Wainwright Golden Beer, alongside Draught Bass under contract for AB InBev.
Carlsberg Britvic said it would retain key brands including Hobgoblin, McEwan’s and Brooklyn while seeking “suitable long-term custodians” for some of its other cask and regional ales.
CAMRA supported the search for new owners, citing Jennings Brewery in Cumbria and Tetley Brewery in Leeds as examples of successful independent ownership.
“The time is right to think about alternative, independent, brewers who are willing to become custodians of Carlsberg’s cask brands and will finally do the beers the justice they deserve,” Corbett-Collins continued.
Better days
“Like the rescue of Jennings in Cumbria by passionate and experienced brewers, I hope the Burton brewery can be saved. I’ve got fond memories visiting the brewery in better days, and maybe I’ll be able to go again if it’s handed over to independent owners.”
Carlsberg Britvic was formed in January 2025 following Carlsberg’s £3.3bn acquisition of soft drinks maker Britvic, combining its UK operations with Carlsberg Marston’s Brewing Company.
The proposed closure comes two years after an investment of more than £6m was announced for the Burton site and follows the closure of several other breweries within the business, including Jennings, Wychwood, Ringwood and Banks’s.
CAMRA also renewed calls for the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) to investigate consolidation in the UK beer market.
The consumer group recently launched its Beer in the UK report and wider campaign calling for a formal investigation, arguing independent brewers are being locked out of the market by global conglomerates despite providing innovation and choice for drinkers.
