UK: Molson Coors to spend �100 mln in improvements across its UK brewing network

Molson Coors plans to spend �100 mln over the next five years in improvements across its UK brewing network, The Grocer reported on April 10.

The Carling brewer said it had earmarked the �100m figure to �improve capabilities and introduce greater efficiencies across its entire UK network� as well as to help hit net zero for its scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2035.

The programme of improvements kicked off in November last year with the installation of a new 24-tonne, 120,000 cans per hour, filler at its Burton brewery.

Molson Coors said the investment was needed to support the growth of brands including Madr� Excepcional � which in less than two years has grown to become the UK�s 12th biggest-selling lager, with sales of �93.3m [NIQ 52 w/e 9 September 2023].

Other improvements include upgrades to the packaging keg lines at Tadcaster Brewery and Aspall Cyder House.

Sharp�s Brewery in Cornwall, meanwhile, would also receive investment to �support new and existing cask ale brands� including Doom Bar, Solar Wave Hazy and Twin Coast, Molson Coors said.

�As a business, we have continued to invest in the UK throughout the challenges caused by the pandemic,� said Fraser Thomson, Molson Coors� chief supply chain officer for Western Europe. �This further investment underscores our long-term commitment to the UK and the local communities where we operate.�

The planned investment follows a �13m project to increase capacity at the Aspall Cyder House in 2022, the �21m installation of a new canning line in Burton in 2021, and an ongoing �10m sustainability drive at Tadcaster.