Heineken UKannounced today to close its Caledonian brewery in Edinburgh, ending more than 150 years of brewing tradition and putting 30 jobs at risk. Heineken said that production at Caledonian Brewery has steadily declined over the last ten years the brewery and the brewery was working under capacity. As a consequence, the Dutch brewer closed an agreement with Greene King to continue brewing Caledonian’s brands, including Deuchars, Coast to Coast and Maltsmiths, at its Belhaven brewery in Dunbar, Scotland.
Matt Callan, Supply Chain Director for Heineken UK said: “We’ve not taken this decision lightly. We’re acutely aware of what the brewery represents in Edinburgh, and its role in the history and heritage of brewing in Scotland – this is something we’re incredibly proud of. Our primary focus is the 30 colleagues based there and we’ll now enter into a period of consultation.”
“The sad fact is, its Victorian infrastructure means significant inefficiencies and costs, particularly as it is operating below capacity. To modernize the brewery, and to meet our own sustainability commitments, would require considerable ongoing investment, which would make operating the brewery economically unviable.”
Matt Callan added: “We’re also aware that the beers produced at Caledonian Brewery are enjoyed by many people across Edinburgh, Scotland and beyond. That’s why we’re working hard to make sure the Caledonian brands will continue to be produced in Scotland if the proposed closure goes ahead. We’ve an agreement in principle to licence the brands to Greene King who will brew Deuchars, Coast to Coast and Maltsmiths IPA and Lager at its Belhaven brewery in Dunbar.”
Matt Starbuck, Greene King Brewing & Brands Managing Director, commented: “These brands are long loved in both Scotland and beyond and we are proud to be able to continue to brew them so they can be enjoyed by consumers and customers alike.”
“This agreement underlines our commitment to Belhaven Brewery as Scotland’s oldest working brewery, and boosts our portfolio of already award-winning beers.”
