Sharp's Brewery Faces Closure with Dozens of Jobs at Risk in Cornwall
One of the South West's most renowned breweries, Sharp's Brewery in Rock near Padstow, Cornwall, is set to close, putting approximately 50 jobs in jeopardy. The Canadian-American owner, Molson Coors Beverage Company, has announced proposals to shut down the site, citing that it is no longer financially sustainable as part of their national production network.
Molson Coors Announces Broader Restructuring Plans
Molson Coors has entered into consultation with staff regarding the proposed closure, which is part of a larger initiative to reshape the UK and Ireland business. This move aims to unlock efficiencies and cost savings to fuel long-term growth, potentially resulting in around 200 redundancies across the two countries, as reported by CornwallLive.
The brewery, acquired by Molson Coors in 2011, has seen over £20 million in investments since then. Simon Kerry, managing director for UK & Ireland at MCBC, expressed that the decision was not made lightly, stating, "It has been a significant part of our UK business for 15 years, with an exceptional and committed team who take such huge pride in their craft." He emphasized that every alternative option was explored before reaching this outcome.
Doom Bar Ale and Other Brands to Continue Production
Sharp's Brewery is best known as the traditional home of Doom Bar, the UK's best-selling cask ale, which sold more than 144,000 hectolitres in 2023. While much of the bottled version is now produced in Burton-upon-Trent, the cask ale is currently brewed in Rock. Molson Coors has assured that the closure will not mark the end of Sharp's brands, including:
- Doom Bar
- Sea Fury
- Offshore pilsner
- Atlantic pale ale
A spokesperson for the company confirmed that these popular beers could be produced by other breweries within their portfolio, with Molson Coors exploring alternative production routes, including potential partnerships.
Community and Sponsorship Impacts
Sharp's Brewery, through its flagship Doom Bar ale, has established several sponsorship deals, particularly in rugby union, with partnerships involving:
- Ospreys
- Dragons RFC
- British & Irish Lions
The brand also supports local rugby clubs in Cornwall, sponsors Surfers Against Sewage's beach cleans, and backs Surf Life Saving Cornwall and the Blue Flag awards. The Molson Coors spokesperson reiterated that these changes are only proposals at this stage and that the company remains committed to the Sharp's brands.
Molson Coors, formed in 2005 from the merger of Molson of Canada and Coors of the United States, owns other well-known beer brands such as Blue Moon, Cobra, Carling, and Staropramen. The focus now is on supporting Rock-based colleagues throughout the consultation process.
