summerisle
The rain, it raineth every day
Exmoor Gold is (was) a lovely pint.
www.somersetlive.co.uk
Somerset’s iconic brewery closes but it’s not last orders just yet
Exmoor Ales has announced the closure of its Somerset brewery after battling the impact of Covid-19, inflation and rising taxes, but insists a new collaboration will help preserve the brand and protect jobs.
Managing director Jonathan Price said the company had faced “challenging times” in recent years, which forced it to restructure in order to survive. After exploring several options, Exmoor Ales decided to collaborate with Hogs Back Brewery, a family-owned independent brewery based in Surrey.
Jonathan said: "It is shocking to have to close a brewery, but the environment for small brewers has been one of decline since Covid. I don’t know how many small breweries have closed down, but likely in the hundreds."
As part of the new arrangement, Exmoor Ales’ head brewer, Sanghrash, will oversee production at Hogs Back Brewery, using the same recipes and yeast to maintain the distinctive taste and quality of the beers. Distribution will continue from Wiveliscombe, while Hogs Back will assist with national sales.
Jonathan added: "Foreign global brewers now represent 92% of the UK beer market and continue to march forward, well able to sustain the economic ups and downs. Recent tax increases, minimum wage increases and the new bottle tax weigh heavily on the smaller player."
The company stressed that the agreement is a genuine partnership and not a takeover, ensuring Exmoor Ales remains independent. Jonathan said: "This collaboration with another brewer addresses the economics of running a brewery at a high level. What we have here is a genuine ‘partnership’, not a ‘takeover’, which will preserve the independence of the Exmoor brand, and continuity of distribution from Wiveliscombe, preserving as many jobs as possible and providing a good base to grow the business for the longer-term future."
He also suggested that success with this model could lead to brewing returning to Somerset one day. "Success might well bring some brewing back to Somerset sometime in the future. This might well be a model others could follow," Jonathan said.
Looking ahead, Exmoor Ales plans to expand its range with the launch of a new lager, a low-alcohol beer, and a new IPA. The company also aims to introduce exclusive distribution agreements with other drinks businesses and seek collaborations with local firms.
Jonathan concluded by thanking customers for their loyalty, stating: "Thank you for your continuing support and keeping a proud local business independent." A further announcement outlining additional plans is expected shortly.
Somerset’s iconic brewery closes but it’s not last orders just yet
Exmoor Ales is closing its Somerset brewery—but a new brewing partnership with Hogs Back Brewery will keep its iconic beers alive and jobs protected
Somerset’s iconic brewery closes but it’s not last orders just yet
Exmoor Ales has announced the closure of its Somerset brewery after battling the impact of Covid-19, inflation and rising taxes, but insists a new collaboration will help preserve the brand and protect jobs.
Managing director Jonathan Price said the company had faced “challenging times” in recent years, which forced it to restructure in order to survive. After exploring several options, Exmoor Ales decided to collaborate with Hogs Back Brewery, a family-owned independent brewery based in Surrey.
Jonathan said: "It is shocking to have to close a brewery, but the environment for small brewers has been one of decline since Covid. I don’t know how many small breweries have closed down, but likely in the hundreds."
As part of the new arrangement, Exmoor Ales’ head brewer, Sanghrash, will oversee production at Hogs Back Brewery, using the same recipes and yeast to maintain the distinctive taste and quality of the beers. Distribution will continue from Wiveliscombe, while Hogs Back will assist with national sales.
Jonathan added: "Foreign global brewers now represent 92% of the UK beer market and continue to march forward, well able to sustain the economic ups and downs. Recent tax increases, minimum wage increases and the new bottle tax weigh heavily on the smaller player."
The company stressed that the agreement is a genuine partnership and not a takeover, ensuring Exmoor Ales remains independent. Jonathan said: "This collaboration with another brewer addresses the economics of running a brewery at a high level. What we have here is a genuine ‘partnership’, not a ‘takeover’, which will preserve the independence of the Exmoor brand, and continuity of distribution from Wiveliscombe, preserving as many jobs as possible and providing a good base to grow the business for the longer-term future."
He also suggested that success with this model could lead to brewing returning to Somerset one day. "Success might well bring some brewing back to Somerset sometime in the future. This might well be a model others could follow," Jonathan said.
Looking ahead, Exmoor Ales plans to expand its range with the launch of a new lager, a low-alcohol beer, and a new IPA. The company also aims to introduce exclusive distribution agreements with other drinks businesses and seek collaborations with local firms.
Jonathan concluded by thanking customers for their loyalty, stating: "Thank you for your continuing support and keeping a proud local business independent." A further announcement outlining additional plans is expected shortly.
