Damm, Spain’s largest brewing business, has officially opened its first brewery outside the Iberian peninsula, the Damm Eagle Brewery in Bedford.
Strategically located between London and Birmingham, the site ensures efficient logistics while aligning with the group’s sustainability goals.
Since acquiring the historic brewery in 2022, Damm has invested more than £70 million in a complete modernisation. There is now a state-of-the-art canning line and an additional brewstream, with capacity almost doubled to 1.8m hectolitres per year, and a target of 2m by 2027.
“Our commitment goes beyond capital investment,” said Jorge Villavecchia, managing director of Damm. “We are bringing skills, innovation, and a vision of how industry must evolve to remain competitive: more digital, more sustainable, more resilient.
“This country has shown, time and again, its ability to adapt and emerge stronger from adversity. That is why we believe that our decision to invest in Bedford will contribute not only to Damm’s growth, but also to the resilience of the UK’s wider economy.”
Jason Stockwood, minister for investment, said: “Damm’s investment is a vote of confidence in the UK and demonstrates our Plan for Change in action. The UK is proud to be the location of Damm’s first brewery outside the Iberian peninsula.
“Since acquiring the brewery, Damm has tripled its number of direct employees in the UK. Damm’s investment will support sustainability through a new canning line, equipped with significant advances in technology and energy efficiency. And it will support innovation through a new incubator hub.”
The investment allows Damm to meet increased UK demand for its flagship Mediterranean lager, Estrella Damm. It has been brewed on site since spring 2024, to serve the 150 pints poured every minute nationally.
With double-digit growth in the past year, the UK market is on track for a record 2025, with 2026 projected to deliver another record-breaking year backed by new commercial and manufacturing partnerships.
The modernised facility has doubled packaging capacity and diversified into new formats and beverages, including soft drinks. Thanks to advanced syrup handling and mixing technology, the site can now produce soft drinks and ‘beyond beer’ beverages, further diversifying Damm’s portfolio. Damm also partners with other companies to distribute beverages to both on- and off-trade channels.
This investment phase is expected to double the number of direct employees at the brewery. Over the past three years, since acquiring the brewery, Damm has already tripled its number of direct employees in the UK to 180.
Looking to the future, Damm will be launching an Accelerator Programme in the UK for industry businesses and start-ups to support innovation, production, and distribution. The UK will become a global hub for beyond beer innovation for all international business, says the brewer, which will see an incubator hub set up for fledging drinks brands with promise.
