St Austell Brewery Reports Record Turnover and Unveils New Brand Identity

Cornwall brewer reports record growth and a major rebrand ahead of its 175th year

St Austell Brewery has revealed strong financial results for 2024, with record turnover and an 8.7% rise in underlying EBITDA, while also announcing the biggest rebrand in its 174-year history.

Despite what it described as “continued economic headwinds”, the family-owned brewery and pub company reported turnover of £231 million in the 52 weeks to 28th December 2024. EBITDA rose to £22.4 million, driven by a positive performance across the business.

Strong performance despite challenges

Chairman Gerard Barnes said:

“I am pleased to report that despite the sustained challenges in the sector, the company has once again achieved record turnover, and importantly, has also converted this performance into increased EBITDA.”

Gerard highlighted the difficult trading environment, including fragile consumer confidence, higher taxation, disappointing summer weather and the lowest number of visitors to the South West in a decade.

Even so, the brewery’s managed pubs outperformed the wider market, achieving like-for-like sales growth of 13%. The company invested £18.3 million in capital expenditure during the year, continuing its long-term investment strategy.

National awards and pub recognition

Building on its success at the 2024 Publican Awards, where it was named Best Accommodation Provider, St Austell Brewery went on to win Best Brewing Pub Company in 2025. A total of 35 of its managed pubs and nine tenanted pubs also earned top marks for guest experience, receiving Reputation 800 and 900 Awards.

Another major highlight was the reopening of the Pier House in Charlestown, which returned to business following a serious fire in January 2023.

New products and brand growth

In its beer business, the brewery launched Proper Job 0.5%, entering the growing no and low alcohol market. Its investment in Harbour Brewing Company, made in 2022, is also paying off, with flagship brand Arctic Sky seeing sales growth of 78% year-on-year.

A fresh identity for a historic brand

Alongside its results, the brewery unveiled a new brand identity – the first significant rebrand in more than 70 years.

Chief Executive Kevin Georgel said:

“Our recent rebrand signals our intent to future-proof the company. The evolution of our brand isn’t just about a new identity, it’s about clarifying and refining our purpose, positively evolving our values, launching our new sustainability plan, and aligning everything we do with the world we want to help shape.”

Looking ahead to 2026, the brewery will celebrate its 175th anniversary. Kevin added:

“Next year we celebrate 175 years of St Austell Brewery. Drawing on our rich heritage, through the evolved brand story, we’re proud to unveil a clearer, more confident vision for the future.”

He said the refreshed brand reflects a broader commitment to customers, staff and the guest experience.

“This is more than a new visual identity. It represents a thoughtful, holistic evolution of our brand… More importantly, it’s a statement of intent and demonstrates our commitment to our people, our guests, and the great experiences we deliver.”

St Austell Brewery says it remains on a clear growth path with plans for ongoing investment across its pubs, beer brands and workforce.