An increase in sales to large pub and restaurant chains meant turnover rose 0.4% to £41,608,283 in the year ending December 31, Sharp’s Brewery has reported.

Pre-tax profit was down 64.1%, however, because of commercial investment, increasing capacity at the Cornish brewery. This is required because of demand for flagship brand Doom Bar, the best-selling cask ale in the ULK.

Gross profit was up 7% to £11,188,389, compared to £10,454,098 in 2016.

Sharp’s is part of Molson Coors, which acquired the business in 2011.