Molson Coors Beverage Company has announced proposals to close Sharp’s Brewery in Rock, Cornwall, along with its national contact centre in Cardiff, as part of a wider restructuring of its UK and Ireland operations.

The plans, which are subject to consultation, could affect around 200 roles across the business and are expected to be implemented by the end of 2026 if approved. The company said the Sharp’s site is no longer financially viable within its current brewing network, despite investment made since Molson Coors acquired the business in 2011.

Molson Coors emphasised that it remains committed to the Sharp’s brand portfolio, including its flagship Doom Bar ale, with future production potentially moving to other facilities within its network or through alternative brewing arrangements.

The proposed closure of the Cardiff contact centre reflects changing customer behaviour, with the brewer reporting that the majority of on-trade orders are now placed digitally rather than via telephone-based support.

For the metal packaging sector, any shift in production locations could have implications for beverage can supply chains depending on where future brewing volumes are consolidated. Large-scale beer brands such as Doom Bar typically rely on aluminium cans alongside kegs and bottles, meaning production realignment may influence regional packaging demand and logistics flows.

The announcement reflects broader pressures facing the brewing industry, including rising operational costs, evolving consumer demand, and the need for greater efficiency across production networks. Major brewers have increasingly focused on consolidating operations into fewer, higher-utilisation sites to maintain competitiveness.

Consultations with employees and stakeholders are expected to take place before any final decisions are confirmed.