UK brewer invests over £1m in Staffordshire site to boost capacity

The new equipment is projected to increase the beer producer's capacity fivefold, building on the 3.7m cans of beer sold in 2023 to date.

Freedom Brewery first launched its can range in 2020, which now includes its signature craft lager as well as the Helles, Pils and NZ Pale. The new canning line will allow the brewer to produce up to 250 cans a minute, while the investment will also fund a new warehouse and production area layout.

According to Nielsen data, the British craft lager market is projected to be worth £500m by 2025, and the Staffordshire business is keen to capitalise on growing demand for its products.

Right time to invest for Freedom Brewery

Founded in 1995, Freedom Brewery utilises cold fermentation over 14 days, and long, slow maturation over a minimum of four weeks, to produce craft beer that is full bodied and flavoured, while also refreshingly crisp and sessionable.

The business also underwent a recent brand redesign, with its new cans sporting artwork that was created based on feedback from the brewer’s customers.

Speaking following the announcement of its investment, Matthew Willson, managing director at Freedom Brewery, said: “After a period of strong growth for Freedom and the increased demand for properly brewed craft lager, it feels like the right time to be investing in our production capabilities. We’re now in prime position to meet the demand and we are ready to pursue new customers and listings with both the on and off-trade.”

In other news, food and drink manufacturers including Cook Food, Creed Foodservice and KP Snacks have been recognised among the best firms to work for in the UK by Best Companies.

Best Companies publishes its standings every year, with Cook Food ranked in first among food and drink firms for 2023, ahead of Creed Foodservice and KP Snacks in second and third respectively.