Salcombe Brewery has unveiled a new second brewing and bottling site in south Devon, as it aims to meet the growing demand for its ales.
The company announced a “major investment” in its brewing and packaging facilities at an additional site at Lee Mill, enabling the team to increase volumes of existing beers, as well as introduce new products within its Discovery range.
The new site complements its existing brewery at Estuary View and will house its own bottling, canning and kegging lines.
As the hospitality sector prepares to reopen, the investment will support the imminent launch of Salcombe Brewery’s first canned products, first lager and growing partnerships with south west hospitality venues.
The company says it has also tripled its brewing capacity and eliminated plastic from all of its packaging, introducing new cardboard alternatives.
“While the last year has been incredibly challenging for our industry we have taken the opportunity presented by the lull in trade to open a second site,” said John Tiner, Salcombe Brewery chairman.
He added: “In addition to the packaging and fermenting capabilities at the new site, we are also moving our cask and keg storage together with our distribution activities from our brewhouse at Estuary View.
“This will enable the brewhouse, tap room and shop to offer a broader range of experiences to our visiting customers. The expansion means we will be able to support the local community through increased employment and to open up new markets, both locally and further afield, for our Heritage and Discovery range of beers.”
Sam Beaman, head brewer at Salcombe Brewery, said: “We selected another Devon based business, Vigo, to work with us in the selection and commissioning of all of our new packaging and brewing equipment. We intend to make the new facilities available to other regional breweries who may be constrained in their packaging flexibility.
“Similarly, for those who have to send their beer to other parts of the country for packaging, using our local facilities will help them reduce the associated costs and logistical disruption, as well as the adverse impact on their carbon footprint.”
Salcombe Brewery produces a range of premium cask ale and keg products including Devon Amber, Seahorse and Salcombe Gold.