Sunrise invests £100,000 into Curious Brewery

Sunrise Beverages, which owns a portfolio of beer brands such as St Peter’s, Efes, Orion, Portobello, Wild Beer Co and Gipsy Hill, has made a £100,000 investment into Ashford-based Curious Brewery to “enhance overall production capabilities and efficiencies”. db reports.

The move, which has been rumoured to precede potential consolidation, was revealed this week when the group’s boss told db that the investment was part of the business’s plans to place Curious “at the centre of this from a supply perspective”.

Speaking to the drinks business, Sunrise Beverages CEO Richard Mather said: “At Sunrise we have a clear long-term plan we are executing. Curious Brewery is at the centre of this from a supply perspective and we will continue our capital investment programme through 2026 to ensure the highest quality beer is available to our growing customer and consumer base.”

‘Streamline production’

Over the last four years Sunrise has acquired a selection of beer brands with the aim of growing them whilst preserving their unique identities. In its bid to build opportunities for its brands and “streamline production”, it has now said that its investment into Curious Brewery in Ashford to the tune of £100,000 “will enhance production capabilities”.

The investment, which will assist in automating part of the packaging line and pasteuriser, also includes adding structured 5S management, which will allow the business to “optimise the brewing process”.

Mather explained that Sunrise’s commitment to beer quality at Curious remains paramount and pointed out that “Curious Brewery operates under the leadership of two master brewers, reinforcing our commitment to brewing excellence, quality control and continuous improvement.”

Mathers also revealed that the business has gone further and also financed not just the brewery but also the taproom as well as helped to amplify the beer business’s reputation for gastronomy.

He pointed out: “Beyond the brewery itself, the Curious Taproom has also undergone a major transformation. In partnership with the exceptional team at Swan the Globe, the venue now offers a refined, chef-led menu and an elevated dining experience, further strengthening Ashford’s position as a destination for premium food and drink.”

‘An ongoing upgrade plan’

Mathers highlighted how the investment in Curious Brewery has been “on-going” since it initially began back in late 2024 with the installation of a flash pasteuriser to allow for processing of Efes beer. Then, this was followed this year by the purchase of a keg washer.

He insisted: “At Sunrise, our mission is to support and grow the legacy of the businesses we have acquired by investing in not only the facilities, but the people and their expertise too. This investment into Curious Brewery is part of an ongoing upgrade plan which will continue into 2026.”

Echoing this, Curious Brewery head of production Wes Lynch added: “While many small producers are closing down due to rising costs Sunrise is choosing to improve equipment, infrastructure, and invest in team development.”

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