In a landmark moment for British brewing, Damm, the Spanish company behind the Mediterranean favourite Estrella Damm, has officially opened its first brewery outside the Iberian Peninsula — the Damm Eagle Brewery in Bedford.
Following a £70 million investment and years of careful planning, the historic Bedford site has been transformed into a state-of-the-art brewery that not only doubles capacity but also brings fresh innovation, skilled jobs, and a renewed sense of pride to a town with deep brewing roots.
A Legacy Reborn
Perched between London and Birmingham, Bedford has long been synonymous with brewing. Now, with Damm’s arrival, that legacy takes on a distinctly Mediterranean flavour. Since acquiring the site in 2022, Damm has undertaken a complete modernisation — adding a new canning line, an additional brewstream, and the capacity to produce up to 1.8 million hectolitres per year, with a target of 2 million by 2027.
The move marks a bold step for Damm as it aims to become the UK’s largest independent beer company, blending its century-and-a-half of brewing heritage with cutting-edge technology and sustainable production.
“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. We believe 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.”
A Vote of Confidence in British Brewing
The opening drew senior figures from both the UK and Spain, including Jason Stockwood, Minister for Investment, who described the move as “a vote of confidence in the UK.”
“Since acquiring the brewery, Damm has tripled its number of direct employees in the UK,” he said. “This investment will support sustainability through new energy-efficient canning lines, and innovation through a dedicated incubator hub for emerging drinks brands.”
His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner to Europe, Ceri Morgan CBE, also attended the event, highlighting the partnership as “a testament to the deepening commercial relationship between the UK and Spain” — one that will bring skilled jobs and fresh ideas to the region.
Meeting Soaring Demand for Mediterranean Lage
Damm’s investment is being driven by the surging popularity of Estrella Damm, which has seen double-digit growth in the UK over the past year. The brewery began producing Estrella Damm on-site in spring 2024, serving the growing appetite for premium lagers — with an estimated 150 pints poured every minute across the country.
With the expanded facility, Damm can now not only keep pace with demand but also branch out into soft drinks and “beyond beer” beverages, thanks to new syrup-handling and mixing technology. It’s a move that strengthens the company’s position as an innovator in both brewing and beverage production.
Investing in People and Innovation
Beyond the brewing vats and canning lines, Damm’s investment is also creating opportunities for local people. Since 2022, the company’s UK workforce has grown from 56 to 180 employees, and that number is expected to double again in the coming years.
Damm has also announced plans for a UK Accelerator Programme — a first for the company — which will support start-ups and small drinks brands with production, distribution and mentoring. The goal is to make Bedford a global hub for drinks innovation, offering new entrants access to expertise, facilities, and a spirit of collaboration rarely seen in the industry.
Tradition Meets the Future
As Damm approaches its 150th anniversary in 2026, the opening of the Eagle Brewery represents more than just a new facility — it’s a statement of intent.
By combining the craftsmanship that defines its Mediterranean roots with the innovation and community spirit of British brewing, Damm is bridging two traditions to create something genuinely exciting for beer lovers.
For Bedford, it’s the revival of a historic brewing site. For Damm, it’s the beginning of a new era. And for the UK beer scene, it’s a sign that international investment can honour local heritage while pushing the boundaries of what a modern brewery can achieve.
