CAMRA seeks Sharps assurances

CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale, is seeking reassurances from Molson Coors about the future of Sharp’s cask ales following its purchase of the Cornish brewer last month.

CAMRA’s chief executive, Mike Benner, said "Once again we are seeing the acquisitive actions of a global brewer buying local brewers to secure what they perceive as marketable real ale brands for short-term profit.

"What future will there be for Sharp’s other beer brands such as Cornish Coaster and Sharp’s Own? No other Sharp’s beer was mentioned in the release announcing the deal. We’re also concerned what the deal might mean for the long term future of the brewery in Cornwall?"

"While we welcome the fact that one of the UK’s biggest brewers realises that there is a future for real ale and that they have been remiss in abandoning their own cask ale heritage, we regret that they have decided to take this route and buy Sharp’s Brewery."

However, just weeks after Molson Coors paid £20 million for Sharp’s Brewery, the award-winning Cornish brewer has taken delivery of two new fermenting vessels, which will increase its brewing capacity by 1,100 firkins, to produce a further 300 brewers barrels each week.

The equipment investment, worth around £125K, is evidence of the planned continued growth for the Rock-based brewer. Commenting on the new investment, Stuart Howe, Head Brewer at Sharp’s Brewery said: “This is an exciting time for the brewery. It means planned growth for Doom Bar and the other Sharp’s beer brands can now be supported.”

Stuart continued: “We have ambitious plans for Doom Bar, we’d like it to be one of the top three cask beers in the UK in the future and this increase in capacity will help us get there as well as ensuring we can brew all the Sharp’s beers drinkers know and love.”

An order for 2000 new casks has also been placed and follows the announcement of the launch of the latest beer from Sharp’s popular ‘Seasonals’ range, Atlantic IPA.

Ben McFarland, 28.02.2011