Carlsberg announced plans to invest EUR 30 million (EUR 31.7 million) in a further enhancement of its Kronenbourg brewery located in eastern France.
This substantial investment comes after the Danish multinational brewer has already spent EUR 25 million on the brewery in the past four years. (inside.beer, 29.8.2018). The allocated funds will primarily be directed towards upgrading the brewery's bottling, packaging, and storage facilities, as stated in an official company announcement.
Once the new packaging line automation is implemented, the facility will have the capability to bottle 60,000 units per hour. Additionally, a new pelletizer will be installed, allowing the brewery to produce half-pallets that are more convenient for retail displays.
Kronenbourg is the leading French brewer and has shown remarkable growth with its brand Kronenbourg 1664 both within and beyond France. In 2022, the unit generated sales of EUR 910 million, up 9.6% year-on-year, and shifted 5.8 million hectolitres.
Since 2008, Carlsberg has been the owner of Kronenbourg, a result of a partnership between the Danish brewer and Heineken during the acquisition of the UK-based company, Scottish and Newcastle. Thedeal also granted Heineken the rights to brew and sell Kronenbourg in the UK from its Manchester facility.
In April, however, Carlsberg Marston’s Brewing Company, Carlsberg’s joint venture in the UK acquired the Kronenbourg brand rights and Heineken agreed to cease production and packaging of the Kronenbourg brand in 2024.
