Marston's Brewery in Burton-upon-Trent could shut its doors next summer under closure plans announced by Carlsberg Britvic, the company that owns the facility. The proposed shutdown would also affect the site's primary logistics operation, marking a significant blow to a town whose brewing heritage stretches back centuries.
Carlsberg Britvic disclosed the proposal to employees and trade union representatives on Thursday. The company acknowledged that Burton-upon-Trent holds an "iconic" place in its history and the broader British brewing industry, yet said market realities have forced the decision.
The closure reflects a dramatic shift in consumer preferences. Cask ale volumes across the UK have fallen by more than half over the past decade, and Carlsberg Britvic expects this decline to persist. The company described this as the "stark reality" driving the proposal, suggesting the trend shows no signs of reversing.
Burton-upon-Trent's brewing prominence has diminished sharply over time. At its peak, more than 30 breweries operated from the Staffordshire town. The situation worsened when Banks's Brewery in Wolverhampton closed in 2025, leaving the Burton facility as Carlsberg Britvic's sole producer of cask ales.
Paul Davies, chief executive of Carlsberg Britvic, framed the decision as a business necessity rather than a reflection on staff performance. "This proposal is by no means a reflection on any of our people, and every effort will be made to help them through this period of uncertainty," he stated.
The brewery and logistics operation will continue functioning during a transition period while the company works through consultation details. Davies pledged that further information would be shared with colleagues first as key decisions are made in the coming months.
How did Marston's reach this point?
The closure announcement comes after significant restructuring within the brewing partnership. Marston's sold its remaining 40% stake in the brewing joint venture to Carlsberg in 2024 for £206 million, allowing the company to focus exclusively on its pub operations. This transaction left Carlsberg Britvic in full control of the brewing business, including the Burton facility.
What does this mean for the broader beer industry?
The proposed closure reflects wider challenges facing traditional brewers across the UK. The shift away from cask ales—a cornerstone of British pub culture—has forced consolidation throughout the sector. Brewdog, a Scottish craft beer firm, has explored a sale amid economic challenges, while C&C Group, owner of Tennent's Lager, acquired Innis & Gunn for £4.5 million with job losses expected. These developments underscore the financial pressures facing breweries and related businesses across the country.
Key Facts
- Carlsberg Britvic proposes closing Marston's Brewery and its primary logistics operation in summer 2026
- UK cask ale volumes have fallen by more than 50% in less than a decade
- Burton-upon-Trent once hosted more than 30 breweries at its peak
- Marston's sold its 40% stake in the brewing joint venture to Carlsberg in 2024
- The Burton facility is now Carlsberg Britvic's only cask ale producer following Banks's Brewery closure in 2025
