Bedford’s brewing heritage has entered a new chapter with the official opening of the Damm Eagle Brewery, following a £70 million transformation by Spanish brewing giant Damm.
The Bedford Independent was invited to the opening of the first Damm Brewery outside the Iberian Peninsula, which was attended by industry leaders, ministers and representatives from both the UK and Spanish governments.
The upgraded site in Queen’s Park has been completely modernised since Damm acquired the brewery in 2022. The investment has almost doubled production capacity to 1.8 million hectolitres a year, with a target of 2 million by 2027.
Read: Bedford becomes home to first Estrella Damm brewery outside of Spain
Speaking at the event, Luke White, Managing Director of Damm UK, said the transformation at the site was “nothing short of spectacular.”
“We’re here for long-term business,” he said. “Bedford and the UK will become our global hub. We recognise that we need to support the community around us too.
“We’re already in talks with the University of Bedfordshire on research collaboration and career opportunities, and we’re proud to sponsor local sports including Bedford Blues and Bedford Town FC.”
Meanwhile, Jorge Villavecchia, Managing Director of Damm, added that the company’s investment went beyond equipment and infrastructure.
“Our commitment goes beyond capital investment,” he said. “We are bringing skills, innovation and a vision of how industry must evolve to remain competitive: more digital, more sustainable, more resilient.
“This country has shown, time and again, its ability to adapt and emerge stronger from adversity. That is why we believe that our decision to invest in Bedford will contribute not only to Damm’s growth, but also to the resilience of the UK’s wider economy.”
International confidence in Bedford
His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for Europe, Ceri Morgan CBE, described the project as a “testament to the deepening commercial relationship” between the UK and Spain.
“I was delighted to join Damm for the official opening of The Damm Eagle Brewery in Bedford, which will bring new investment, skilled jobs and innovation into the region,” she said.
“This investment is a testament to our deepening commercial relationship with Spain – and with the EU.”
Jason Stockwood, Minister for Investment, added that the UK was proud to host Damm’s first brewery outside the Iberian Peninsula, calling it “a vote of confidence in the UK and in Bedford’s industrial future.”
The brewery’s expansion is expected to double the number of direct employees. Since 2022, Damm has already tripled its UK workforce from 56 to 180.
Future plans include a new Accelerator Programme to support drinks industry start-ups, with Bedford set to become Damm’s global centre for innovation in “beyond beer” beverages.
Speaking at the opening, Mayor Tom Wootton (Conservative) said the investment was a reminder of Bedford’s industrial strength at a challenging financial time for the council.
“We have got to batten down the hatches,” he told the Bedford Independent. “But things are going to change. I’ve always said Bedford’s best days are yet to come, and I’m absolutely determined that’s going to be the case.”
A new chapter
As Damm approaches its 150th anniversary in 2026, the Bedford site will play a central role in the company’s future growth, says Damm.
Alongside its flagship Estrella Damm lager, brewed in Bedford since spring 2024, the upgraded facilities will produce soft drinks and new beverage formats using advanced syrup and mixing technology.
New equipment has also been installed, including a brand new canning line that can fill and package 90,000 cans an hour. The keg line has also been upgraded, increasing its capacity from 450 to 750 kegs an hour.
With its investment, Damm aims to consolidate its position as the UK’s largest independent beer company, serving 150 pints of Estrella every minute nationally, while building a stronger local presence through skills, sustainability and community partnerships.
Read: Exclusive: Wells & Co reveal what’s in store for Bedford’s oldest brewing family
The Eagle Brewery itself has deep roots in Bedford’s history. It was originally opened in 1976 by Charles Wells Ltd, the long-established Bedford family brewery.
After more than four decades of local ownership, it was sold to Marston’s PLC in 2017, which continued brewing on the site until the sale to Damm in 2022.
