Tuckers Maltings of Newton Abbot, which has played such as important role in West Country brewing, is to close in the autumn, its owners have confirmed.

In a letter to more than 30 brewers it supplies, Edwin Tucker & Sons said that, after 118 years, it had been a sad decision to close the smallest maltsters in the country, which has persevered in producing malt in the old, traditional way.

 

SIBA Maltings festivalBeers on stillage at the annual SIBA beer festival held at Tuckers Maltings. The event will be looking for a new venue

 

But the firm said: “Operating on this scale has finally proven to be uncompetitive in the modern world and increasing capacity within the old traditional building would be very difficult while not jeopardising the quality of the product.

“After consultation and professional advice it was decided it would be wise to make this decision while the business was financially sound and closure could be achieved in an organised and efficient way.

“Production will finish in September when all the 2017 crop has been malted and it is anticipated supplies to customers will finish by the end of October.”

It has been confirmed that the Maltings Taphouse on the site will remain open as a bottle shop and pub.