The long-standing Cork brewery behind some of the city’s best-known local brands has announced it will cease production in the new year.
The Franciscan Well brewery in Cork will close after Christmas, its owner Molson Coors said on Monday, adding that the decision has “not been taken lightly.”
The closure will impact 15 staff members, the company confirmed.
“Over the past decade, we have invested in the Franciscan Well Brewery and the brand portfolio, most recently refreshing the visual brand identity in November 2022, and releasing new product development with Well Hazy in early 2023 and the Docklands Series in 2024,” Molson Coors said.
The brewery said it has not been able to grow the brands to the level needed to sustain the brewery as part of the Molson Coors UK and Ireland production network.
The brewery said that despite the “great work” of its teams, the decision to close was made amid a challenging craft beer category and other economic pressures affecting its customers and consumers.
Founded in 1998, the Franciscan Well brewery is located on Cork’s docklands and produces popular drinks such as Chieftain IPA, Rebel Red, Well Hazy, Shandon Stout and the Docklands Series.
The brewery has entered a consultation process with affected employees and said it will work through this process “with integrity and respect for everyone affected.”
“We will seek redeployment for all displaced employees wherever possible,” the company added.
“We understand the special place the Franciscan Well brewery and brands have in the local community and remain open to conversations with interested parties about the future of the brewery and brands.”
