Manchester brewer toasts frothy annual figures
Joseph Holt Brewery is raising a glass to a successful year after its latest figures reveal an increase in both turnover and profit
The iconic Manchester-based family business – currently celebrating its 170th anniversary – has enjoyed a boost in turnover to £68.7m, which is a five per cent increase on the previous year.
Its operating profit of £4.1m is almost 20% ahead of 2017.
The dynamic development of new products, ongoing popularity of existing lines and an energetic programme of acquisitions and refurbishments have all contributed to the improved balance sheet published in Holt’s financial report for 2018.
During this period Joseph Holt invested £1.7m in significant refurbishment projects including the Woodthorpe in Prestwich, Richmond in Southport and Bluebell in Blackford Bridge.
Meanwhile the brewery – which was established in 1849 by weaver’s son Joseph Holt, and which now has 126 pubs – has made a string of purchases such as the Halfway House in Blackpool which has just undergone a £2m facelift .
The recently-acquired Shamrock in Ancoats looks set to become a go-to venue in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, while Joseph Holt will also be opening a microbrewery at Manchester Airport’s new £1bn ‘super terminal’
The brewery’s range of award-winning ale has inevitably played a key role in its success story.
The new citrus pale ale Northern Hop continues to be a huge crowd pleaser. So, too, is the recently-launched Manchester Bee Glass, a clear pint glass with black stripes around it which, when filled with the golden beer, transforms into the iconic Manchester bee.
Meanwhile Crystal, Crystal Gold and Diamond lagers were relaunched to celebrate their international recognition.
The brewery is also marking its 170th anniversary with the 170 Cask Ale Programme, a set of six celebration ales which are being released this year to celebrate six generations of the family.
In a bid to create even greater engagement with customers, pubs selling the beer offer drinkers the chance to take a virtual stroll through the history of the Joseph Holt brewery via scannable pump clips which reveal information, via mobile phone, about the fascinating Joseph Holt story.
Chief executive and fifth generation family member, Richard Kershaw, said: “This has been an incredible year for Joseph Holt.
“Thanks to dynamic innovations in the ale we produce and the pubs we run, more and more people are enjoying our pubs and products.
“We are delighted so much hard work by our excellent employees has paid off and look forward to even more exciting plans for the brewery in the coming year.”
