Brewer sees seasonal success as supermarkets sell more

21/12/2011

The busy Christmas period for supermarkets is having a major impact on Moorhouse’s Brewery as they post a 200 per cent increase in package sales over the same period 12 months ago.

The end of year success, judged in the first two weeks of December, comes after the firm opened a new £4.2 million brewing complex in Burnley, with financial support from Yorkshire Bank.

The new complex trebled the former production capacity to more than 1,000 brewers’ barrels per week and increased total employee numbers to more than 50.

Package sales – classed as those in bottles – was not the only area to see an increase, with full brewing sales up by 9 per cent over full trading in 2010 and production up 18 per cent.

David Grant, the managing director of Moorhouse’s Brewery pinpointed supermarkets as a major predicted area of growth in 2012.

He said: “We are breaking ground on supermarket sales, as more and more people are looking to drink cask ales in the comfort of their own home. We fully expect 2012 to be our most successful year ever, some achievement when you consider the current economic climate.

“We have space to further double our production capacity because of the investment in the new brewery, something we are thankful to Yorkshire Bank for. A lot of people are quick to tell the world how many pubs are closing but cask ale pubs are on the increase and it’s good to see Yorkshire Bank investing in the future of the industry.”

Moorhouse’s was founded by William Moorhouse in 1865 and has grown to a £3.5 million turnover business, with predictions to double this within two years. As well as the new brewery in Burnley, the firm owns six pubs in the region and supplies more than 300 cask ale pubs.

Managing partner Kevin Hughes at Yorkshire Bank’s Financial Solutions Centre in Blackburn, led the team that helped support the company through this expansion.

Kevin said: “Moorhouse’s really is a local success story, winning awards, exporting across the globe, investing and expanding during what are tough times for the brewing industry. It just goes to show the importance of a successful product and a strong brand and as a long-term client, we are delighted to see them go from strength-to-strength.”

The business is also receiving industry recognition after winning a prestigious ‘Best Business Development’ award at the Society of Independent Brewers Business Awards 2011. It has also launched the first brewery open nights in December, giving visitors a guided tour of the new complex.