Independent Scottish craft brewer Harviestoun is ‘scaling for growth’, launching the first phase of an investment programme at its Alva brewery.
The Clackmannanshire brewery is putting more than £500,000 into this initial expansion, which will deliver a new 600 sq. ft warehouse facility and more office space.
For the past decade, Harviestoun has had to rent warehouse space while also storing additional stock in external facilities in Glasgow.
Bringing storage and logistics fully back onto the brewery site is intended to improve the company’s efficiency and create the capacity for it to scale production for the next stage of growth.
Alongside strengthening its production capacity, the brewery plans to expand its product range with more than five new beers this year, including a pale ale, brown ale and nitro stout, as well as lower-alcohol and alcohol-free options launching ahead of the summer.
Harviestoun currently produces just under 10,000 hectolitres of beer annually – two thirds of which is its flagship craft lager Schiehallion – with plans to grow output towards 20,000 hectolitres over time as demand continues to grow.
CEO of Harviestoun, Andrew McKnight, said: “The investment is geared to supporting Harviestoun’s growth while bringing our operations fully back onto the site in Alva.
“We have invested steadily in our infrastructure over the past few years, upgrading brewing equipment and improving efficiency so that we have the foundations in place to grow the business in a sustainable way.”
McKnight noted that shifting consumer beer preferences were favouring ‘well-crafted traditional styles’.
“The market is increasingly turning back towards classic styles such as lager and stout, but with a focus on quality. That plays to our strengths as a brewery with a strong heritage and well-established beers that continue to perform strongly with drinkers.
“Despite the challenging trading environment facing many breweries, we believe there are opportunities for independent producers with strong brands and disciplined operations.”
He stressed that Harviestoun remains independently owned and brewed in Scotland, allowing the company to take a ‘long-term view’ of the business – including an expansion into its own hospitality estate.
“We have already started looking at potential properties including pubs and hotels for the next stage of our growth and will continue to review opportunities until the right ones present themselves.
“Operating venues would create opportunities to showcase our beers directly and build stronger relationships with customers.”
