Norwich’s Redwell Brewing is crowdfunding to raise £250,000, equating to 7.5% equity, as it looks to boost its vegan beer production.
With the UK plant-based market valued at £443m in 2018 and GlobalData reporting that vegan beer popularity is growing, thanks to millennial demand, this is a booming sector. And with big beer brands like Guinness going 100% vegan in 2017, Redwell — whose beers are also gluten free — feels it is in good company.
Raising funds to invest in its team, and state-of-the-art equipment to increase capacity, Redwell also plans to extend and expand its distribution. Since taking over the brewery in December 2017, the small, passionate team of eight have been working tirelessly to put the brand back on the map, determined to help return Norwich to its former title of ‘beer capital of the UK’.
The business is led by managing director Ben Hopkins, a business growth specialist who has already helped other businesses, including Naked Wines and Virgin Wines, to reach massive scale, and consulted to high-growth start-ups including Beer52. He said: “I’m driven by the incredible opportunity facing our team to make Redwell an even greater success: as a renowned brewer of some of the best tasting craft beer I’ve ever tasted; as a brand that even more customers can discover and love; as a sound and exciting investment that all investors, all of us, can be proud to be a part of.”
Part of the community
The Redwell team aren’t just committed to investing in their business, but in their community. With its taproom under the arches drawing crowds and seeing increasing profits, it’s all part of the investment attraction, as well as being a much-loved destination. Regular nights include collaborations with some of Norwich’s favourite indy food producers.
For the crowdfunding campaign, enthusiasts can invest £20 in return for a brewery tour and a free pint, while investors prepared to put £50,000 or more into the pot can name a beer, be involved in the brewing process, and enjoy a private party, with dinner cooked by a local celebrity chef. There are a whole host of other investment options in between.
With its core range already found on Aldi’s shelves, Redwell is making an own-brand brew for the supermarket giant, and is in talks with two other national supermarkets.
Head brewer, Belinda Hopkins, said: “Every investment, whether it’s £20 or more, will help us make our ambitious plans a reality. The master brewer joined Redwell in 2017, having led teams at Greene King, Adnams and Woodforde’s, and is set to put her own money into the campaign. “I’m investing because I love Redwell. The beer, the team — it feels like I’ve joined a family, and I want us to keep innovating and experimenting. The success of this campaign will help us do just that.”
• To find out more, or to invest, visit Crowdcube
