Greene King invests £40m in new Suffolk brewery
3rd May 2024
Greene King has just revealed its plans to invest £40 million in a new state-of-the-art brewery in a Suffolk town.
The well-known British brewer will move from its historic Westgate Brewery in Bury St Edmunds to a new state-of-the-art centre in the same town.
A spokesperson for Greene King said that the investment in a new custom-built facility represents the company’s “major commitment to the future of British brewing” and its production of cask ale, alongside its latest premium craft beer brands.
The move builds on the business’ 200+ year history of brewing in Bury St Edmunds since its founding in 1799.
Sustainable brewing operations
Greene King’s new brewery will be located next to its distribution centre, which aims to “significantly improve” the sustainability of the company’s brewing operations.
The company spokesperson said that per pint, water usage in the brewing process will be reduced by more than 50%, alongside significant improvements in energy efficiency.
Greene King’s goal is to drive its progression towards its science-based environmental targets, which includes the company’s aim to be carbon net zero by 2040, as well as reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030.
Over the last two years, Greene King has invested in a new multi-million-pound distribution centre, adjacent to the proposed site for the new brewery in Bury St Edmunds, as well as over £9 million in its historic Belhaven Brewery in Dunbar.
Investment in innovation
Nick Mackenzie, chief executive officer at Greene King, said that brewing in Bury St Edmunds is a “core part” of Greene King’s DNA.
He added: “This investment represents a further and significant ongoing commitment to our brewing operations in a town, which has such a rich and storied connection with our business and with brewing.
“As we seek to make our operations more sustainable, our new brewery will future proof our ability to brew our much-loved brands, as we create a thriving modern hospitality business.”
Matt Starbuck, managing director Brewing & Brands at Greene King, added: “We have been brewing in Bury St Edmunds for over 200 years.
“We are passionate about our craft, and the development of this state-of-the-art facility will allow us to maintain brewing at the core of our business going forwards.
“We are excited by the opportunity that this affords and the chance to invest in innovation and the development of our world-class beer portfolio.”
Produced from 100% English hops
IPA is Greene King’s flagship beer. The producer said that the beer owes its clean and crisp taste to the 100% English natural hops.
A Greene King’s spokesperson said: “Our brewers still hand-select the ingredients that make our IPA a prize-winning beer.
“Carefully selected pale, crystal and black malts join with Pilgrim, Challenger and First Gold hops to make a complex, refreshing ale.
“The beer is also tasted at every part of the brewing process to guarantee the quality and consistency, and we really take our time over it. It takes 4-5 days to brew Greene King IPA.”
The producer added that many people are involved in producing Greene King IPA, from farmers in the fields to the brewers back at the brewery and the landlords in the cellars.
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