Regional brewer and pub chain operator St Austell Brewery has upped its stake in Cornish craft brewer Harbour Brewing Co.
It has increased its investment through the purchase of shares sold by long-standing Harbour investor Rick Rowse, who has elected to step away from the business.
Having initially taken a minority stake in Harbour in 2022, St Austell now owns a majority shareholding in the brewer, The Grocer understands.
“The increased investment from St Austell Brewery enables us to accelerate our plans while staying firmly in control of the things that make Harbour unique,” said Harbour managing director Eddie Lofthouse. “St Austell Brewery is a family-owned and independent brewery with shared values, and their support gives us stability and shared expertise, without changing who we are.”
It comes with Harbour seeking to build on a successful year of trading in 2025, in which sales grew by 26%.
“We’ve had a strong year of growth, and this next phase is about continuing to build a sustainable, progressive business that stays true to our roots,” said Lofthouse. “In the spring, we’re excited to be unveiling a refreshed brand direction and new additions to our portfolio.”
Kevin Georgel, chief executive of St Austell, added: “The opportunity to increase our investment reflects confidence in Harbour’s momentum and our shared values as independent brewers.
“We’re proud to support the brand’s growth in our pubs and through our wholesale network, introducing more beer drinkers to Harbour across the south west and beyond and building on its already strong market position in London.”
Harbour Brewing was founded in 2012 by Lofthouse and Rhys Powell and is based near Bodmin, north Cornwall. Its beers are currently stocked in Morrisons, having previously been listed with the likes of Waitrose, Sainsbury’s and Ocado.
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