Brewer Moorhouse’s sets out growth goals
REGIONAL independent brewer Moorhouse’s is targeting sales of £7m withing two years ater revealing record turnover of £4.5m, up 18%, for the past year.
The Burnley company, has hit the five-million-pints-a-year landmark for its two-year-old £4.2m expanded brewing complex, and is looking to ramp-up production to full capacity of ,000 barrels (288,000 pints)-a-week. It has made a good start – year-on-year sales in June were up 22%.
Moorehouse’s is well known for its award-winning beer, including the ‘Pendle Witches’ ale,
Managing director David Grant’s strategy for the next phase of growth includes increasing supplies to more customers, exploring further export opportunities and investing in the sales team.
Despite being bullish on Moorehouse’s prospects, Mr Grant has voiced concerns over pricing levels in the cask-ale market, which he says is damaging the industry.
He said some small brewers are using Progressive Beer Duty to undercut rivals on price, rather than invest for the future.
Mr Grant said: “Cask ale is the only growing sector of British brewing, but life is getting even tougher with now more than 1200-plus brewers in the market fighting for bar space, while pubs close at more than 20 a week. This is leading to an unsustainable market for some brewers. But quality and innovation is the way forward, not price slashing.”
To meet growth plans, Mr Grant said investment has been made in the 40 strong workforce with a reshaping of the sales team and a variety of apprentices recruited while agreements have been reached with northern barley growers to ensure long-term supplies.
Further listings are being sought with national pub companies and wholesalers while business is also being developed with free trade pubs through new marketing initiatives and sales support – including the roll out of new seasonal ales throughout the year and use of social media.
Export opportunities for bottled and keg beer opportunities are being examined in Europe, Asia and China.
