Global beverage company Molson Coors has announced the closure of Sharp’s Brewery in Cornwall, best known for its production of Doom Bar.
Founded in 1994 by Bill Sharp, the brewery has been owned by Molson Coors since 2011 but will now close due to the site no longer being “financially sustainable”.
This comes despite Molson Coors having invested more than £20m into Sharp’s to expand capacity, upgrade equipment and sharpen the portfolio.
Simon Kerry, MD at Molson Coors, said that 50 members of staff would be made redundant at the brewery, with wider redundancies also taking place elsewhere.
He continued that the company was currently looking into alternative production routes, with none yet confirmed.
Kerry said: “The proposed closure of Sharp’s brewery has not been an easy decision for us to make. It has been a significant part of our UK business for 15 years, with an exceptional and committed team which takes such huge pride in their craft.
“We have invested significantly in the site and the Sharp’s brands over that time and have taken every step we can to try and avoid this outcome.
“However, the site is no longer financially sustainable as part of our national production network.”
In response to the news, The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) has criticised both the global brewers and the UK Government.
CAMRA CEO, Tom Stainer, said: “Today’s news is just another example of a global brewing giant destroying the nation’s cask 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 continued: “This once again puts a spotlight on the stranglehold global brewing giants have over our pubs. The government must use its 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.”
Speaking to BBC Cornwall, John Brown, CEO of Cornwall Chamber of Commerce, expressed concern for those impacted by the redundancies.
He said: “This isn’t something you ever want to see happen, especially with a brand that has been such a powerful part of the Cornish story.
“I’m hoping that those 50 or so people that are finding themselves in this seriously unfortunate, awful situation will find new opportunities and continue to flourish.”
