Under the proposals, the Ringwood Brewery and the Ringwood ale brands – including Razorback, Old Thumper, Boondoggle and Fortyniner – would be put on the market for sale. CMBC’s logistics operation at Ringwood is proposed to close, with deliveries relocated to CMBC’s depots at Tiverton and Farnborough, with support from the Cardiff depot.

Best known for its cask ales and boar mascot present across all the brewery’s beers, Ringwood Brewery was founded in 1978, and after outgrowing its original premises, moved to the current site in 1986.

Paul Davies, CEO of CMBC, said: “We are announcing our intention to put our Ringwood Brewery in Hampshire up for sale. This includes the rights for Ringwood’s well-loved ale brands.

“This is not a decision we have taken lightly – we have incredible respect for the effort and dedication of the team at Ringwood.

“However, the brewery’s location in a residential area makes expansion complicated, and as such the investment required to bring its capacity and capability up to the level we need for our business is too great to be a viable path for CMBC. To ensure our future growth and simplify the business, we are looking for a new owner for Ringwood in the brewing industry, including its excellent range of local ales.

“We are confident that, by taking these actions now, we can ensure we continue to grow, innovate and deliver great beers across the UK, putting us in the best possible position to achieve success now and in the future.

“We have informed colleagues affected by these proposals at the brewery and our priority now is to support them through this process, and to begin the search for the right buyer for Ringwood.”