The Scottish brewer exceeded its target to raise funds for a ‘major’ new brewery and visitor experience in Edinburgh.
It will be the largest brewery in Edinburgh for over 150 years. The cash will be used to kit out the interior of the brewhouse, warehousing capability, and visitor centre. Innis & Gunn is currently based in Perth, which will now become the home for innovation and barrel ageing.
Over 3,000 investors from the UK, Europe and Scandinavia, pledged a total of £3.3m (ahead of the £3m target) in exchange for 2% of the business. Each Innis & Gunn investor will have their name displayed on the wall of the brewery. They will also get free birthday pints at Innis & Gunn Brewery Taprooms, discounts and exclusive access to new beers.
‘We’d like to thank each and every one of our investors both old and new,’ said Dougal Gunn Sharp, founder and master brewer at Innis & Gunn.
‘We’ve dreamt of building a brewery in Edinburgh since we started this business, and you’re all going to be playing a key role in making it happen. Thanks again. Our now 5,000-strong investor community are a part of our success, our proudest advocates and we can’t wait to raise a glass together in the new brewery.’
Since its last round of crowdfunding three years ago, Innis & Gunn has increased turnover to over £25m. Its Lager Beer has seen much growth, with sales up 40% in 2018, while its flagship beer, Original, still accounts for a third of the brewery’s turnover (and a quarter of the volume).
The brewer also successfully relaunched its pubs as Brewery Taprooms this year with takings up 30% and as a result will be rolling out the concept across the UK, with two new sites earmarked for each year until 2023.
