Spanish brewer Damm has reported a strong year for its UK business, posting 19 per cent growth in both sales and volumes during 2025 as it continues to expand its brewing operations and brand portfolio.
The brewer, which this week unveiled its 2025 annual results at its annual general meeting in Barcelona, said Damm UK sold 578,000 hectolitres of beverages during the year, up 19 per cent year-on-year, while private label and contract manufacturing volumes surged 34 per cent.
The performance comes as the company prepares to complete the acquisition of the Old Speckled Hen family of brands on 1 July, a deal that will significantly strengthen its position in the UK ale market.
“2025 was a great year for Damm UK, as we delivered strong growth, with both sales and volume up 19 per cent,” Luke White, managing director of Damm UK, said.
“This solid business performance demonstrates the strength of our successful UK strategy, following sustained investment in the Damm Eagle Brewery which has seen the rise of Estrella Damm and our wider portfolio, as well as driving industry awareness around Damm UK. This has given us the platform to make bigger strategic moves to accelerate our growth, such as evolving our portfolio with the acquisition of Old Speckled Hen, cementing Damm UK's position as the largest independent brewer in the UK market.”
Damm said the acquisition expands its presence in the premium ale category and underlines the UK's importance as one of its strategic growth markets. The move builds on investments of more than €80 million (£70m) at The Damm Eagle Brewery in Bedford, where the brewer has expanded production capacity, installed new manufacturing lines and increased capabilities for alcohol-free beverages and soft drinks.
Commenting on the off-trade performance, Liam Fidler, head of off-trade at Damm UK, said Estrella Damm delivered double-digit growth across the major supermarkets during 2025.
“We are proud of the impact that key products have demonstrated in 2025 such as Estrella Damm 0.0% adding more volume and value growth to the Grocery No/Low Lager category than any other product and Damm Lemon being the fastest growing flavoured lager and adding more volume growth to the category than any other as the No.3 Flavoured Lager SKU,” he added.
Globally, Damm reported revenue of €2.01 billion for 2025, with with EBITDA of €320 million and net profit of €155 million despite what it described as an increasingly challenging market environment. International operations, including Damm UK, now account for 30 per cent of the group's business.
As the brewer celebrates its 150th anniversary, it has set a target of doubling revenue by 2030 through continued international expansion, investment in manufacturing and diversification across beer, soft drinks and other beverage categories.
“Our international strategy focus is to get closer to the markets in which we operate, increase our ability to produce locally and respond more effectively to the needs of customers and consumers,” Demetrio Carceller Arce, executive chairman of Damm, said.
“Establishing our first manufacturing operation in Africa is a significant step forward in that journey and together with the strengthening of our UK business, reinforces a growth model that is more local, more agile and adapted to each market.”