Carlsberg Britvic has announced that it is proposing to close Marston’s Brewery in Burton-upon-Trent, along with its primary logistics operation based on the site.

The beverages firm, which outright purchased the brewing business two years ago, said that it expects to shut down the site by summer 2027.

It stated that the decision follows the “stark reality” that UK cask ale volumes have dropped by more than half in the last decade, with the trend looking “set to continue across the UK”.

Carlsberg Britvic said “certain priority ale brands”, including Hobgoblin, McEwan’s and Brooklyn, will remain in the company’s multi-beverage portfolio, and it will actively seek new homes for other cask and regional ale brands.

The BBC has reported that about 310 people are affected by the proposal.

CEO at Carlsberg Britvic, Paul Davies, said he is aware that the news will “come as a shock to colleagues” and that he recognises that the proposal’s impact is “significant”.

He added: “It is my role to ensure Carlsberg Britvic’s multi-beverage portfolio is focused where consumers are today, and where customer demand is growing. That said, smaller ale brands are much loved by select consumers, and we will do everything we can to ensure they thrive under more specialist or local ownership in the future.

“Marston’s Brewery and the primary logistics operation are expected to continue to operate during the transition period, while the company works through the detail of the consultation. As and when key decisions are taken over the coming months, we will share further information with the industry, but always with our colleagues first.”

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