Ridleys closure plan attacked

July 7, 2005: CAMRA has attacked Greene King’s plans to close the 163-year-old Ridleys Brewery in Essex, claiming that the acquisition threatens consumer choice.

CAMRA is calling on the Government to reinstate legislation to force brewers with more than 2,000 pubs to allow their pub tenants to take a guest beer from a supplier of their choice.

“This acquisition follows hot on the heels of the takeover of Jennings by Wolverhampton and Dudley in June. A new generation of national brewers has been created and is a threat to consumer choice," said CAMRA chief executive Mike Benner.

"Takeovers rarely lead to benefits for consumers and invariably lead to erosion of consumer choice and breweries close and beers are axed.

“Greene King has stated that it intends to close the Ridleys brewery in the autumn. Ridleys has been family owned since 1842, brewing excellent local beers. Greene King should reconsider its decision and take steps to sell the brewery as a going concern.”

CAMRA believes that demand exists for breweries which specialise in short-run craft beers following renewed consumer interest in local products. Ridleys has been brewing Tolly Original since 2002, brews Greene King XX Mild under contract and brews Pale Island for Kelham Island Brewery, current holders of the Champion Beer of Britain award.

“What will happen to popular beers such as Greene King XX Mild, Tolly Original and the Ridleys beers?" asked Mr Benner. "It is difficult to believe that Greene King will continue to brew Ridleys IPA for long as it clashes with its own IPA.

“Are we to see a new housing development on the site of [Ridley's] remarkable Victorian brewery? Greene King should show they care about Britain’s brewing heritage and the views of beer drinkers and attempt to sell the brewery to someone who can use it to brew beer.”

CAMRA has hit out at comments from Ridley’s managing director, Bob Wales, who was appointed in April 2005. Following his appointment, he said: “The board and I are delighted with this announcement and look forward to the Ridleys business growing and developing. Ridleys is a good business with some excellent and dedicated people at the Hartford End Brewery site.”

Mr Benner said:“One has to ask the question - ‘what has changed’?”