Asahi has revealed that it has put forward a proposal for its Dark Star brewery in Sussex to cease trading as of 31 December due to economic challenges.

The company plans to move the brand’s operations to the Meantime brewery in Greenwich, wher the beers will continue to be brewed to the same recipe. 

In a statement, Asahi said: “This is not a step we have taken lightly, however, there are significant challenges in the current economic and operating environment that make this the right course of action for the business and the brand. The Dark Star site operates significantly below capacity, which is unfortunately not sustainable.”

Asahi said that the company continues to “believe strongly” in Dark Star and remains committed to its success.

The statement added: “Our absolute priority right now is to support all colleagues who may be impacted by this proposal, and we are currently in the process of consultation with them”.

“It would therefore be inappropriate to provide any further detail at this time, but we will share more on our plans for the brand and its future brewing arrangements in due course.”