Keystone Brewing Group has received £2m investment from its shareholders at Breal Group in aid of plans to double its revenue over the next 12 months.
The group, which includes Black Sheep Brewery, Purity Brewing Co, Brick Brewing Co and Brew by Numbers, said the investment is intended to support its next stage of growth.
This follows a period of expansion in which Keystone added Hofmeister, North, Four Pure and Magic Rock to its portfolio.
Keystone announced that the investment will allow it to meet increasing demand for its products in export, both on and off-trade, alongside facilitating a larger capacity.
Planned infrastructure upgrades include: a 30,000hl increase in annual fermentation capacity at Black Sheep Brewery; a 6,000hl increase in annual fermentation capacity at Purity Brewing Co; a high-volume canning facility boosting output from 2,500 to 14,000 cans per hour at Black Sheep Brewery; a pasteurisation facility at Black Sheep Brewery; new delivery vehicles; and two new storage facilities at the Fearby Road packaging facility in Masham.
Steve Cox, CEO of Keystone Brewing Group, said: “This investment marks a further major milestone for Keystone as we continue to scale. With new breweries and brands joining the group and demand rising, it gives us the agility and infrastructure to expand capacity while staying true to the quality and character of each of the brands. We’re well-equipped to grow in a way that’s both ambitious and sustainable.”
Mark Williams, partner and shareholder at Breal Group, added: “This amplifies the confidence that we have in Keystone Brewing Group, and indeed this sector for the long term. It is tough out there at the minute, but we continue to believe that there is a real appetite for premium, value for money beers and ciders.
“Not only is Keystone on track to reach its revenue target of £100m by 2028, but it remains steadfast in its mission to deliver exceptional quality, variety and innovation to consumers both in the UK and worldwide while embracing new possibilities.”
