Charles Wells
About Charles Wells
Charles Wells Ltd has successfully combined 130 years of brewing and pub retailing with a genuine spirit of innovation and enterprise. It has evolved to become one of the market leaders in both areas and is recognised for embracing change to remain competitive, yet retain independence, by both the trade and consumers alike.
Five generations of Wells
'Formed by Charles Wells in 1876 and originally located in Horne Lane, Bedford, the company moved to its current location at the Eagle Brewery a century later. Having seen five generations pass, three Wells family members remain actively involved in shaping the company’s future; Paul Wells (Chairman), Tom Wells (Vice Chairman) and Peter Wells (Pub Company Sales & Marketing Director).
Global brands
Charles Wells established an award winning portfolio of brands, including; Wells Bombardier English Premium Bitter, Wells Eagle IPA, Red Stripe Jamaica Lager Beer, and Kirin Ichiban, the renowned Japanese lager. Following a joint venture with the brewing division of Young's plc in October 2006, a new company was formed - Wells & Young's Brewing Company Ltd - with the overall portfolio now incorporating the Young's brands, including Young's Special, Young's Bitter, Waggledance and Ram Rod.
Growth through quality
Charles Wells’ commitment to growing top quality brands is typified by the remarkable growth of Wells Bombardier English Premium Bitter, in a highly competitive market, from a regional ale to “one of Britain’s biggest selling premium cask beers”(Source: 2004 edition of the ‘Good Beer Guide’). This commitment also extends to its lager portfolio. Having brewed Red Stripe Jamaica Lager Beer since 1976, Charles Wells continues to develop innovative marketing plans for the brand which has resulted in significant sales and distribution growth.
The company continues to invest in its brands and has been described thus; “Charles Wells has transformed itself into an innovative, brand focussed, sales driven company.” (Mark Stretton, ’The Publican’ newspaper).
Internationally, Charles Wells exports to over 40 countries, an achievement that was marked by Charles Wells receiving the ‘Queen’s Award for Export Achievement’ in 1997. Furthermore, the company has pub retail developments and partners throughout Europe.
A track record of innovation
An ongoing commitment to New Product Development is at the heart of the company's future. This, balanced with regular consumer market research, a policy of listening keenly to trade customers' requirements and close observation of consumer trends, allows Charles Wells to retain a leading market position. Examples of innovations brought to the market by Charles Wells include; fresh real ale in a mini-cask for the off-trade, illuminated dispense for smooth-flow ales, shaped cans and the ever-popular Wells Banana Bread Beer.
Our History
Discover the history behind the Charles Wells Brewery, from how it started to where we are today.
How the company came about
Charles Wells, after whom the brewery is named, was born in Bedford in 1842. At the age of 14 he left school and boarded the 'Devonshire' frigate, bound for India. Right about the time he was promoted to Chief Officer in the late 1860's, he fell in love and proposed to Josephine Grimbley.
However, his prospective father-in-law put paid to his plans when he announced that no daughter of his would marry a man who would be away at sea for months at a time. And so, Charles, desperate to marry his sweetheart, left his sea-faring career and in 1876 established the Charles Wells Family Brewery to provide beer to the local Bedfordians. The success of his venture speaks for itself.
Charles Wells is now the largest independently owned, family run brewery in the country and is the UK's fifth largest brewery. Five generations on, the Charles Wells brewery is recognised worldwide for the quality and craftsmanship that goes behind producing their portfolio of beers. The brewery has won many brewing awards, both national and international and is respected not only for their beers but also for their pub estate, which includes mainland UK and Central and Eastern Europe.
The full fascinating history of the Charles Wells Brewery is now available as a hardback book. Roger Protz traces the rise of Charles Wells from its humble origins to a modern company that produces a wide portfolio of ales and lagers.
Traditional Values
Traditional ValuesWhilst we see our company as a forward thinking and progressive brewery, we retain the rich and valued traditions that are embodied in Charles Wells' heritage.
The demands of running a growing international brewing, brands and pubs company in a very competitive market place require a focussed and contemporay approach. However, at Charles Wells this is balanced by a strong adherence to the traditional values of quality and service upon which the company has been built.
Throughout the five generations of Wells' that have been at the centre of running the company since it was founded by Charles Wells in 1876, respect for these values has been crucial in maintaining the stability upon which today's (and tomorrow's) successes depend.
Perhaps the single most important word in describing this philosophy is 'consistency'. This is reflected in the ongoing stewardship of the company in Wells family hands, just as it is in the natural mineral water that is the fundamental ingredient in the brewery's renowned beers, water that to this day is drawn from the well sunk by Charles Wells over a century ago.
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