St Austell Brewery has reported strong financial performance with record-breaking turnover of £231m in the year ended 28th December, 2024.
The family-owned company — which reported underlying EBITDA growth of 8.7% in the 52-week period — has also unveiled its first significant rebrand in 70 years.
“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,” said chairman Gerard Barnes.
“While inflation has eased, a combination of fragile consumer confidence, higher taxation, the lowest number of visitors to the South West in a decade, and a second summer of disappointing weather, conspired to provide a challenging backdrop in 2024.
“The financial results represent continued momentum and positive progress against our strategic plans. As we continue to navigate the many challenges and evolving customer demands, our ambitious capital investment programme remains key to our long-term success.”
During the 52-week period, St Austell Brewery’s managed houses delivered strong sales growth, significantly outperforming the market with like-for-like growth of 13%.
Building on the success of winning best accommodation provider at the 2024 Publican Awards, the company was also awarded best brewing pub company in 2025. In addition, 35 of its managed pubs and nine tenanted pubs were recognised with Reputation 800 and 900 Awards, the gold standard for exceptional guest experiences.
In the beer business, there was continued investment in the company’s brewing capability and its brands. Last year saw the launch of Proper Job 0.5%, a strategic move into the no and low category. Following the investment into Harbour Brewing Company, in 2022, the performance of its lead brand, Arctic Sky, continues to deliver strong growth, up 78% on the previous year.
In parallel to announcing its annual results, the 174-year-old company has unveiled its first major rebrand in more than 70 years. The new brand identity is described as an evolution.
St Austell Brewery chief executive Kevin Georgel
“I’m proud of the strong financial performance in 2024, which came off the back of a very strong 2023,” said chief executive Kevin Georgel. “The results are all the more meaningful given the challenging trading environment.
“Despite the sustained economic headwinds, and wider market challenges, the commitment and passion of our people, and the resilience of the company, have enabled us to deliver continued growth in both revenue and profits.
“As we look forward, whilst the outcome of the autumn Budget has created significant additional cost pressures — necessitating some difficult, but necessary decisions to review and reduce our operational structure — we remain resolutely focused on delivering our long-term strategy and sustainable growth.
“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.
“Guided by extensive research and insight from both inside and outside of the business, we are committed to ensuring that we are fit for the future. The rebrand is a natural and considered step forward which underpins our ambitions for the future and the generations to come.”
He 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.
“This is more than a new visual identity. It represents a thoughtful, holistic evolution of our brand, designed to reinforce our position in the market and support the next phase of our growth. More importantly, it’s a statement of intent and demonstrates our commitment to our people, our guests, and the great experiences we deliver.
“With encouraging financial results, a bold new identity and ongoing investment across our pubs, brands and our people, St Austell Brewery remains firmly on a growth trajectory.”
