Exhibiting at HRC London 2025 (Hotel, Restaurant, Catering)

Butcombe Brewing Co., established in 1978 in the heart of Somerset, England, has grown from a small independent brewery into one of the most respected and recognized craft brewers in the United Kingdom. Now headquartered in Wrington near Bristol, Butcombe continues to uphold its legacy of crafting quality beers using the finest ingredients, while expanding its operations through a network of pubs and retail partnerships across the UK.

Core Business

Butcombe operates under the Liberation Group and focuses on two main business verticals: brewing and pub management. The company’s core business revolves around brewing award-winning ales and beers, and distributing them through a network of managed and tenanted pubs, as well as external retail and on-trade channels. Their brewing facility has a production capacity exceeding 50,000 barrels annually, accommodating both traditional cask ales and modern craft styles.

Product and Service Offerings

Butcombe Brewing Co. boasts a diverse product portfolio, catering to both traditional ale lovers and modern craft beer enthusiasts:

• Ales & IPAs: Butcombe Original, Butcombe Gold, Goram IPA, Rare Breed Pale Ale, Tall Tales Pale Ale, Stateside Session IPA
• Lagers & Ciders: Underfall Lager, Ashton Press Cider
• Non-Alcoholic Beers: Goram IPA Zero, Tall Tales Pale Ale Zero
• Merchandise & Gifts: Includes branded apparel, glassware, and curated gift boxes
• Mixed Bundles: Popular among e-commerce customers, with top-sellers like the "Gold Medal Winning Gift Box"

In addition to brewing, Butcombe manages over 40 pubs and inns across South West England, delivering authentic local hospitality paired with freshly brewed beers and locally sourced food.

Specialisation and USP

Butcombe’s key differentiators lie in its commitment to:

• Traditional brewing methods using Maris Otter barley and whole hops
• In-house yeast strain, maintained since inception
• Sustainability: The brewery has significantly reduced its carbon footprint through water conservation and energy-efficient brewing technologies
• Community integration: Many of its pubs serve as community hubs, reinforcing its local-first brand ethos

Financial Strength

Butcombe Brewing Co. is part of the Liberation Group, backed by private equity firm Caledonia Investments, which has enabled strong financial backing. While standalone revenue for Butcombe isn’t publicly available, the Liberation Group reported revenue of £116 million in 2023, with Butcombe contributing significantly through its brewery and pub estate.

Shipment and Export Records

According to trade data from platforms such as ImportYeti and Trademo:

• Butcombe has executed over 120 international shipments in the past 3 years
• The majority of exports go to Europe (France, Netherlands, and Germany) and Asia-Pacific (Japan, Hong Kong)
• Key SKUs exported include Butcombe Gold, Stateside IPA, and Tall Tales Pale Ale

These shipments reflect growing global interest in UK craft beers and Butcombe’s increasing export footprint.

Target Market

Butcombe targets:

• Domestic beer consumers seeking authentic, traditional ales
• On-trade partners including gastropubs, restaurants, and hotels
• International distributors in the premium import craft segment
• E-commerce customers through their robust online store

Their strategic brand position focuses on “Real Beer for Real People,” emphasizing honest, quality brewing with no gimmicks.

Capabilities

• Modern brewing facility with capacity to scale beyond 60,000 barrels/year
• Robust logistics and distribution network across UK and Europe
• Full control over brewing, packaging, and marketing
• Integrated pub network providing brand touchpoints directly to consumers

Certifications and Compliance

• SALSA Certification for food safety assurance
• Soil Association Approval for selected organic products
• Compliant with UK Environment Agency sustainability guidelines
• Members of the SIBA (Society of Independent Brewers)

Customer Testimonials

“The best pint of real ale I’ve had in years. Butcombe Original is the taste of proper British brewing.”
– TripAdvisor Review, The Ostrich Inn, Bristol

“Great range of beers. The Gold and Rare Breed are staples in our rotation. Customers love the taste and the story behind the brewery.”
– Independent Bottle Shop Owner, UK (sourced from Trustpilot)

Major Achievements

• CAMRA Champion Beer of Britain (multiple regional awards)
• International Beer Challenge – Silver Medal for Butcombe Gold (2022)
• Recognized in The Drinks Business Awards for Sustainability in Brewing (2021)
• Selected as official beer partner for Bristol Craft Beer Festival for consecutive years

Butcombe Brewing Co. stands as a testament to British brewing heritage, combining time-honored practices with forward-thinking innovation to meet modern tastes and global demand.