Alcohol-free beer brand BRULO has raised more than £1 million in its first funding round, attracting backing from some of the UK’s most successful consumer and drinks entrepreneurs.
Investors joining the round include: Alex Chesterman, founder of Zoopla, Cazoo, and LoveFilm; Logan Plant, founder of Beavertown; Alex Carlton, founder of Funkin Cocktails; Richard Kaffel, founder of Red Letter Days; Andrew King, former Funkin and AG Barr executive; Freddy Ward, founder of WILD; and Max Lousada, former chief executive of Warner Music UK.
Founded by James Brown, also the founder of Beer52, BRULO has emerged as one of the UK’s fastest-growing alcohol-free beer businesses, combining premium branding, data-led product development, and a profitable, asset-light operating model.
The company reported £3.6m in net sales with 21% EBITDA in its most recent financial year and has grown revenues at a 70% compound annual growth rate over the past three years.
• The British Beer & Pub Association has welcomed the Licensing Hours Extensions Bill passing its Third Reading in the House of Lords. The bill, backed by the BBPA, had government and cross-party support.
Licensing regulations currently have excessive restrictions, says the trade association, which limit the government’s ability to quickly approve extending pubs’ opening hours during moments of national significance when Parliament is in recess.
The Bill was spearheaded through the Lords by Lord Thomas Watson of Wyre Forest. It had previously been led through the Commons by Andrew Ranger MP.
Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the BBPA, said: “As we keenly await the details of the upcoming pub-specific business rates package, we’re delighted that Lord Watson, and the government, have acted to boost growth and make it easier for pubs to do what they do best, right at the heart of moments of national significance in local communities.”
• Retail like-for-like sales at Shepherd Neame rose 4.5% in the 26 weeks to 27th December, and were up 8.1% over the Christmas and New Year period, the brewer and pub owner has reported.
However, beer volume was down 6.6% for the half-year, and own beer volume was down 11.6%.
“While our sector continues to face cost headwinds, we expect these to ease as we progress through 2026,” said chief executive Jonathan Neame. “The company continues to trade in line with the board’s expectations.”
• Turnover at brewer and pub owner Bathams rose from £6,794,149 to £7,015,658 in the year to 30th June, 2025, with pre-tax profit rising from £2,201,121 to £2,221,563.
