Some big news in the world of UK Brewing is that after recently re launching the White Sheild Brewery, Molson Coors have aquired the Award winning Sharp’s Brewery in Cornwall.
When I first read the title I was suprised…infact it made me swear out loud, but after reading the press release It sounds like a good move for both parties. Hopefully it will lead to a bigger distribution of Sharp’s excellent ales meaning we will see more of them up north!
Hopefully they will also give super Stuart Howe time/space to brew more of the excellent Monsieur Rock and won’t stop him on his quest to brew in 12 different breweires in 12 months.
I’ve put the press release below for you to read.
DOOM BAR JOINS THE UK’S MOST DIVERSE BEER PORTFOLIO AT MOLSON COORS
Molson Coors (UK) today announces the acquisition of the award-winning Sharp’s Brewery Ltd including Doom Bar, the UK’s most exciting cask beer brand.
Founded in 1994, Sharp’s Brewery is a modern brewer of cask conditioned beer based at Rock in Cornwall and has grown rapidly to become the largest brewer of cask beer in the South West . Doom Bar, already the number one selling cask brand in the South West and Wales and the fastest growing cask brand in Greater London , represents a tremendous opportunity for growth in volume and distribution.
Mark Hunter, Chief Executive, Molson Coors (UK & Ireland) said: “The Doom Bar brand is modern and progressive. It has a loyal following and excellent reputation amongst consumers and customers alike and has the potential to become a truly extraordinary brand. We have a wealth of experience with this type of venture and an excellent track record of building brands across all markets. We respect and want to preserve the unique culture of Sharp’s Brewery and the special appeal of their brands to beer drinkers.â€
Hunter concludes, “The team at Sharp’s have a passion for brewing beer of the highest quality with the finest natural ingredients available making this a great marriage of two businesses with similar values. This is a new chapter for Sharp’s Brewery and we are excited to play our part in taking Doom Bar to the next stage of its brand evolution.â€
With over 8.6m cask beer drinkers in the UK and cask beer representing 15.2% of on trade beer volume (its highest share of on-trade beer for over a decade), the addition of Doom Bar alongside the developing Worthington’s family of ales allows Molson Coors to add real choice to the UK’s most diverse beer portfolio.
Nick Baker, Managing Director Sharp’s Brewery commented, “We have worked exceptionally well with Molson Coors for many years and they have played an important part in the growth of Sharp’s Brewery. We recognised that they have the capabilities, comprehensive routes to market and the culture to build on and accelerate the progress the business is making which is why we are delighted to have done this deal.
“It was, and is, important to us to know how Molson Coors will manage Sharp’s and their plan to invest in developing the brewery at Rock and the Doom Bar brand is spot on. We are excited to watch Sharp’s Brewery achieve even more under their stewardship.â€
Stuart Howe, Head Brewer at Sharp’s Brewery said: “We are delighted to be joining the Molson Coors team, all of whom are passionate about Sharp’s Brewery and committed to the Doom Bar brand. We are incredibly proud to be voted the best regional cask beer by our customers, with the support of Molson Coors we’re looking forward to being recognised as the best cask beer in the country.â€
Doom Bar is a strong addition to Molson Coors’ diverse portfolio and is the latest in a series of recent extensions including Cobra, Singha, Corona and Blue Moon. It follows the launch of the William Worthington’s Brewery in December 2010. Constructed in listed buildings at the National Brewery Centre, the William Worthington’s Brewery produces well-known Worthington’s brands such as Worthington’s White Shield, the most decorated beer in CAMRA’s history, Worthington’s Red Shield as well as a range of Worthington’s Seasonal Ales and other limited edition brews.
“Hopefully it will lead to a bigger distribution of Sharp’s excellent ales meaning we will see more of them up north!”
I don’t doubt that will be the intention, but hang on a minute, Excellent ales”. I rather think Coors are buying a brand here and there is for them a bigger game afoot. Sharps is neither here nor there to them, Doom Bar is.
We need to see whether this is played out with flair and imagination or with the dull hand of branding. That’s only one of the many questions in this deal.
Yet again, what was a small independent brewery has, in my opinion, sold out to the corporate USA led profit making way of life………….That aint Cornwall and the more they send the “Doom” beer up country, the better in my opinion. They will all be getting surgery on their faces next, to look younger !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks for the write up – for you it is good news all round my friend.
We are investing in the brewery at Rock so all Sharp’s beer will be brewed at Rock but with greater capacity. And Sharp’s will benefit from our wider distribution network so that does mean more beer oop north.
The jellyfish population best be afraid because we will not only allow, but insist Stuart keeps up brewing new and interesting beers inlcuding a brew with Steve Wellington as part of his 12 breweries project.
Hopefully this will mean some kind of distribution in the USA for us Anglo-philes that know and appreciate the UK brewing tradition.