Spanish brewing business Damm has more than doubled its brewing capacity to 1.8 million hectolitres per annum and investing more than £70m in its new Eagle Brewery in Bedford.

The company, which acquired the brewery in 2022, is targeting an output of 2 million hectolitres by 2027 and also installed a new canning line.

Jorge Villavecchia, managing director of Damm, said: “Our commitment goes beyond capital investment. 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.”

Unprecedented investment has enabled Damm to meet increased UK demand for its flagship Mediterranean lager Estrella Damm, 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 also 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, increasing from 56 to 180.