Molson Coors Plans $126 Million Brewery Upgrade In UK

Molson Coors has beer on a hot streak of late and they intend to keep things that way with big money plans for several of its breweries, that will benefit the company’s European operations.

Here’s the deal…

On April 8, Molson Coors Beverage Company announced plans to invest more than £100 million ($126 million) in its UK brewing operations over the next five years.

“The investment allows the company to grow its brewing and packaging capacity at a time when the continued strong performance of its brands requires enhanced capabilities,” Fraser Thomson, Molson Coors’ chief supply chain officer for Western Europe told Beer & Beyond.

“This plan is an investment in our future, giving our people and our brands the tools to fulfil our potential in the U.K. market while making strong progress against our sustainability targets,” Thompson said.

The £100 million plan includes investments to improve brewing capacity and packaging capabilities at Molson Coors’ largest UK  facilities, in Burton-on-Trent and Tadcaster.

And these upgrades couldn’t be more strategic. The Burton and Tadcaster breweries produce beer for Molson Coors’ UK and Western Europe markets. The company is also investing in its Sharps’ Brewery in Rock, Cornwall,  to support new and existing ale brands like Doom Bar, Solar Wave Hazy and Twin Coast.

Molson Coors’ premium and world lager brands, Madrí Excepcional, in particular, have seen strong growth…

Madrí Excepcional arrived in British pubs in the fall of 2020 and flourished, despite nationwide pandemic restrictions that kept many drinkers away. But the golden-colored 4.6% ABV lager with a Madrid vibe quickly won over consumers.

Madrí Excepcional was the country’s fastest-growing major beer brand in 2023, and is currently the second-largest above premium lager in the on-premise, (think pubs and restaurant beer sales).

And Carling, the biggest beer brand in the UK, which doesn’t suck either.

While the investment and infrastructure upgrades are targeted to improve capabilities and make Molson Coors’ UK. network more efficient, They will also play an important role in the company’s commitment to reduce its direct carbon emissions to net zero in the United Kingdom by 2035.

Molson Coors’ UK operations have been powered by renewable electricity since 2021. It was the first major brewer in the country to make that transition.

“This is a landmark moment in our history as we evolve to meet the demands of our growing portfolio and bring new innovations in the years ahead,” Thompson added while continuing to reduce the impact our business has on the environment.”

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(All image credits: Molson Coors)