Like a big breath of fresh, sea air

People outdoors sharing bottled Adnams Ghost Ship beer on a beach setting

Adnams is a proud regional brewery with international reach, founded in 1872 in the coastal town of Southwold, Suffolk by George and Ernest Adnams. Today, the business has evolved into a vibrant and innovative multi-award winning brewer and distiller, hotelier and wine merchant, with a strong commitment to social, environmental and financial sustainability. Listed on the NEX, the strategy of Adnams is to be an innovative high quality branded beer and spirits producer and provider of top quality customer experience in their property estate. Always focused on the customer, their hotels, pubs, tours and shops bring their products to life and tell the Adnams story in their own unique way. With a portfolio of over 40 pubs, inns and hotels, 13 retail stores and a strong online presence, the business exports its premium products globally, employing 600 staff in the UK.

Adnams best sellers and award winning products include their Ghost Ship pale ale, range of Vodkas including Longshore, East Coast and Rye Hill and their Copper House Dry Gin.

For many years, they have been committed to running their business in a responsible, sustainable way. From sourcing the best East Anglian ingredients for their range of characterful drinks, to nurturing loyal and ethical supplier relations, they look at all aspects of production to ensure they are doing the right thing and investing for the long term. Their trailblazing and award-winning environmentally friendly distribution centre at Reydon is home to half a million rehomed honey bees, they were the first UK brewery to complete a full carbon life-cycle assessment on their beer range as well as working to reduce emissions throughout the whole supply chain and they work in conjunction with the Marine Conservation Society to help clean and protect Southwold Beach.

Adnams retains the values of an independent, family run business with a strong commitment to, and leadership in, sustainable and ethical business practice. The Adnams Community Trust was founded in 1990 to celebrate Adnams centenary as a public company. Providing modest grants to charities and good causes within a 25 miles radius of Southwold, or in the case of national charities, for the benefit of those living within 25 miles of Southwold. It is funded by 1% of annual profits, mandated dividends, donations and legacies.

Adapting to the new

Adnams are evolving their brand strategy to strengthen their position in the market and build a more robust platform for future growth. The business has recently completed a major infrastructure investment programme in its cutting edge dealcoholisation brewery plant and distillery capability, the complete refurbishment of The Swan - its flagship hotel in Southwold and a new ERP system governing the operation of manufacturing and wholesale businesses. This substantial change and considerable investment in the business is to position themselves for the future where they can continue to thrive in a crowded and rapidly changing market.

Front exterior of Swan Hotel building with traditional brick facade and large windows

By being nimble, building resilience and working differently, they have been able to grasp new opportunities and respond quickly to these changes. In the words of Andy Wood, CEO: “Adnams has many products, services and experiences that are exceptional, authentic and heartfelt in the making. This represents an opportunity to create cut-through with our discerning customer base and generate even greater loyalty to Adnams”.