Carlsberg to Shutter Nearly 200-Year-Old Marston's Brewery, 310 Jobs at Risk
Carlsberg Britvic has announced plans to close the historic Marston's Brewery, putting hundreds of jobs at risk and sparking outrage among ale enthusiasts.
Marston's Brewery, a nearly 200-year-old institution in Burton upon Trent, is facing potential closure, with its owner Carlsberg Britvic proposing to shut down the site and its primary logistics operation [1]. This move could impact around 310 employees at the Horninglow Brewery, which was established in 1834.
Carlsberg Britvic cited a "structural category decline" and the need to "create greater long-term value" as reasons for the proposed closure [1]. The company highlighted that UK cask ale volumes have more than halved in less than a decade, a trend they expect to continue.
Carlsberg had previously acquired Marston's PLC's remaining 40% shareholding in CMBC, gaining full ownership of the brewing business [1]. CEO Mr Davis acknowledged the news would be a shock for colleagues, emphasising that the proposal is not a reflection on the skilled teams at the brewery.
The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) chairman, Ash Corbett-Collins, condemned the announcement as an "absolute disgrace" [1]. Corbett-Collins, a native of Burton, expressed disappointment that Carlsberg's sentiments about the brewery's importance came too late.
CAMRA hopes an independent brewer might step in to save the brewery, drawing parallels to the rescue of Jennings in Cumbria [1]. While Marston's Brewery's future is uncertain, Carlsberg Britvic stated that certain
Sources
This article is based on reporting by the outlets below.
- Mirror: Nearly 200-year-old Marston’s Brewery could close with hundreds of jobs at risk
- The Independent: Carlsberg to shut historic Marston’s Brewery with 310 jobs at risk
