Carlsberg Britvic to close down Marston’s Brewery

pixabay

Brewing and drinks business Carlsberg Britvic has decided to shut down the Marston’s Brewery in Burton upon Trent, affecting the roles of around 310 people.

The decision comes amid the “stark” market for UK cask ales, with demand decreasing sharply over the last few years.

Paul Davies, CEO at Carlsberg Britvic, said: “I am very aware that this news will have come as a shock for colleagues, as I recognise the impact of this proposal is significant. While we remain proud of the role we have played in supporting and investing in the ale category overall, the stark reality is that UK cask ale volumes have more than halved in less than a decade, and this trend looks set to continue across the UK.”

Priority ale brands, including Hobgoblin, McEwan’s and Brooklyn, will remain in the company’s portfolio; however, Carlsberg Britvic has said it is actively looking for buyers for its other cask and regional ale brands, particularly independent brewers.

'An absolute disgrace'

Many have reacted with anger at Marston’s closure, namely consumer organisation Campaign For Real Ale (CAMRA), which has called the decision an “absolute disgrace”.

The group has warned that closing down the brewery will have dramatic consequences for Burton Upon Trent, which has a historic brewing heritage dating back more than 200 years.

This is not the first time Carlsberg Britvic has closed down legacy breweries in regional areas of the UK, having closed the Ringwood and Wychwood Breweries, which both predominantly produced cask ales, in 2024 and 2023 respectively.

Ash Corbett-Collins, CAMRA chair, said: “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.”

Corbett-Collins did agree with Carlberg Britvic on the importance of independent brewers in the UK beer industry, citing the rescue of the Jennings Brewery in Cumbria from Carlsberg Britvic by independent custodians.