CAMRA comments on Asahi’s closure of Dark Star brewery site in Partridge Green

Commenting on the proposal by Asahi to cease production at the Dark Star brewery site in Partridge Green, West Sussex, CAMRA’s National Director Gillian Hough said:

“Moving the production of Dark Star from the brewery’s home in West Sussex is cause for great sorrow and sadness. Dark Star is a brewery that is close to many CAMRA members’ hearts, and this decision is yet another example of global brewers playing chess with their assets.

“Dark Star is an award-winning brewery. Continuing the production of Dark Star’s range from the Meantime Brewery in Greenwich is certainly preferable to them disappearing altogether – but it is unclear how traditional cask production will fit into Meantime’s portfolio as this is not something they currently do. Consumers will want assurances that the long-term future of Dark Star’s beers – including special and seasonal beers – won’t be at risk.

“Years of consolidation of large parts of the brewing industry into the hands of a few global players has been to the detriment of our brewing heritage. This worrying trend of further domination of global brewers is putting choice at the bar and the diversity of British beer at risk – and needs constant monitoring by the UK’s Competition authorities.”