Saint-Omer Brewery Invests €2 Million in Expansion to Meet Export Demand
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A significant investment in storage capacity will allow the Saint-Omer Brewery to increase production flexibility and support growing international sales.
The Brasserie de Saint-Omer, located in Pas-de-Calais, France, is undertaking a substantial expansion project, investing €2 million in eleven new storage tanks. This strategic move is designed to bolster the brewery’s production capabilities and accommodate a diversifying portfolio, particularly as exports continue to rise. The new tanks, some already operational since the end of 2025, will increase the brewery’s storage capacity by 200,000 hectoliters, bringing its annual potential to 3.7 million hectoliters.
Boosting Capacity and Flexibility
The eleven tanks, reaching up to 14 meters in height and weighing nearly 16 tonnes each, were partially installed beginning in December 2025, with the remaining two scheduled for delivery in early 2026. A significant portion of the €2 million investment is allocated to specialized lifting equipment, necessitated by the brewery’s location in the city center. According to a company representative, the expansion will enable the brewery to “produce more” and effectively respond to evolving consumer preferences and increased export demands.
The Saint-Omer Brewery operates on a demanding production schedule – three shifts of eight hours each, seven days a week – and the increased storage capacity will provide crucial flexibility in managing production runs. Beyond its own beers, the brewery also packages products for the neighboring Goudale brewery in Arques, representing 15% to 20% of its overall activity.
A Family Business Focused on Growth
The Brasserie de Saint-Omer is a family business employing 200 people, led by André Pecqueur, who also heads the Goudale brewery and a related transport company. While Goudale focuses on building its own brands, Saint-Omer specializes in producing beers for major distributors, including Auchan, Carrefour, and U, with 50% of its production destined for export markets.
Continued Investment in Modernization
The new storage tanks are just the latest in a series of investments made by the brewery. A senior official emphasized that “a brewery that doesn’t invest can die,” highlighting the rapidly evolving nature of the brewing industry. In January 2025, the brewery invested €3.8 million in replacing two bottling fillers, increasing output from 135,000 to 150,000 bottles per hour. Further investments are planned for 2026, including the addition of two palletizers and an expansion of the aluminum cans line, estimated at over €4 million, with delivery scheduled for May 2026.
Adapting to Regulatory Changes
The brewery is also proactively addressing upcoming regulatory changes. Anticipating a ban on plastic can bundling planned for 2027 in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Spain, the Saint-Omer Brewery has already transitioned to cardboard boxes to avoid potential market losses.
Meanwhile, the Goudale brewery in Arques received eight new fermentation tanks in October 2025, further demonstrating the commitment to growth within the Pecqueur family’s brewing operations. The ongoing investments signal a clear strategy for sustained success in a competitive market.
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