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Alltech, the animal nutrition and food group founded by the late Dr Pearse Lyons, is undertaking a review into the future of its brewery in Dundalk causing fears it could be wound down. The Pearse Lyons Brewery in Dundalk, part of Alltech’s Beverage Division Ireland (ABDI), was opened in 2018 on the former MacArdle Moore Brewery site and produces beer brands such as Foxes Rock. The opening followed Alltech’s acquisition of the Station Works Brewery in Newry in 2015, which was relocated to the nearby Co Louth town.
In response to questions about local speculation around the future of the Dundalk brewery, a spokeswoman for Alltech said it was "undertaking a review" of the brewing operations at ABDI. The Pearse Lyons Brewery in Dundalk produces beer brands such as Foxes Rock “At this time, no permanent decisions regarding the facility or team members have been made, as the company is only in a consideration phase,” she said. “The company is currently in a consultation process and will thoroughly review the situation, assessing all available options and proposals.
"This review is being considered to increase efficiency and focus on areas with the greatest opportunities for future growth. “This proposal applies specifically to the Irish brewery division and will not affect Alltech’s spirits business in Ireland or any of its Kentucky beverage operations,” she added. A spokeswoman said the proposal will not affect Alltech’s spirits business in Ireland or any of its Kentucky beverage operations “The Pearse Lyons Distillery in Dublin will continue to produce the high-quality spirits and experiences its customers have come to love.
” The review into the future of the Pearse Lyons Brewery comes during a difficult period for the craft beer sector domestically and overseas. Craft beer in Ireland has struggled to compete with offerings from its larger, multinational rivals such as Diageo and Heineken. Other factors, such as soaring energy bills and broader consumer inflation, have also hit sales and margins.
Bord Bia’s Craft Beer and Cider Report 2023 showed independent microbreweries had a market share of just 3.4pc the previous year. The report estimated that the total turnover among craft beer producers was just €52m in 2022.
Bord Bia’s research also showed that 20 microbreweries entered the market between 2018 and 2023, while 16 left. In the middle of 2023, the report said there were 79 microbreweries in Ireland. The UK industry has also struggled in recent years.
According to the Society of Independent Brewers, the UK industry saw a net closure rate of 38 breweries in the first quarter of 2024. At this time, no permanent decisions regarding the facility or team members have been made The late Dr Lyons had an interest in the alcohol sector, having worked at the Harp Lager brewery in Dundalk when he was 14. He was also the first Irishman to achieve a formal degree in brewing and distilling from the British School of Malting and Brewing.
Dr Lyons moved to the US in the late 1970s and founded Alltech in 1980 with just $10,000. According to the company's website, Alltech reported around $2bn in revenue for 2019 and again in 2020. Dr Lyons opened his first brewery in Lexington, Kentucky, in 1999.
In 2017, Dr Lyons and his wife, Deirdre, opened the Pearse Lyons Distillery in the historic St James Church in the heart of Dublin’s Liberties..
