Hosted by: Greg Pilley
Event Organised by: BFBi (Brewing, Food & Beverage Industry Suppliers Association)
On 7th May 2025, BFBi members were welcomed to Stroud Brewery for a tour hosted by founder Greg Pilley. The visit offered an insightful look at the brewery’s journey, its core values, and its ongoing commitment to environmental and social sustainability. Greg’s deep-rooted environmental background shaped much of the tour’s narrative, aligning with Stroud Brewery’s mission to inspire positive change through the medium of beer.
Greg Pilley – A Background in Sustainability
Greg began his professional career as a marine biologist, later moving to Nigeria to work in conservation. He then undertook a Guinness sponsored project, where he developed an interest in the cultural and environmental aspects of beer. Upon returning to the UK, Greg worked for the Soil Association in their local food team, during which time his interest in small scale food and drink (beer) production evolved into a passion, ultimately leading to the founding of Stroud Brewery in 2006.
Brewery Origins and Milestones
- 2006: Stroud Brewery was established, with a core focus on ingredient provenance, sourcing malt from Warminster Maltings, using barley grown primarily in the Cotswolds.
- 2008: The brewery was certified organic, aligning with Greg’s sustainable ethos.
- 2010: The brewery expanded with support from rural development grants and crowdfunding, raising £100,000 to match the grant in just three days. This enabled a capacity increase to 20 barrels (bbl).
- The first beer brewed, Budding, was named in honour of Edwin Beard Budding, the inventor of the lawnmower, and brewed on the original lawnmower manufacturing site.
Further Expansion and the COVID-19 Pivot
- In 2017, the brewery moved to a larger premises that included a bar and retail space. Brewing in the new facility began in December 2018, and the bar opened in January 2019, solidifying Stroud as a dedicated organic brewery.
- The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 presented significant challenges, with turnover dropping to just 15-20% of pre-pandemic levels due to the heavy reliance on on-trade sales.
- In response, the brewery invested in a canning machine, both to access a new market and to support their sustainability goals, as cans are lighter, more recyclable, and require less packaging.
Commitment to Sustainability and B Corp Certification
Stroud Brewery is now a certified B Corp, reflecting its commitment to environmental and social responsibility. Currently, the brewery produces 3–4 brews per week, with packaging distribution split approximately 40% cask, 40% keg, and 20% cans. Most deliveries are within a 35-mile radius, emphasising the brewery’s local focus and reducing transport emissions.
When asked about the brewery’s unique selling proposition (USP), Greg noted that beyond its environmental foundation, the brewery aims to create value beyond food and drink, seeking to inspire positive change and promote quality of life for its consumers.
Sustainability Wins and Future Vision
Greg identified several key environmental wins:
- Barley sourcing: Choosing local barley significantly reduced carbon emissions due to transportation and supported local agriculture.
- Energy: Switching to renewable suppliers and installing solar panels led to substantial carbon savings.
- Packaging: Bringing packaging in-house reduced transport, beer losses and improved efficiency.
- Employee commuting: Local hiring and encouraging alternative transport have contributed to emission reductions.
Greg emphasised that many sustainability gains are incremental, and there is a point where direct return on investment diminishes. At that stage, the brewery must consider offsetting emissions, ideally through nature-based investments that support local biodiversity or by collaborating with nearby businesses on larger environmental projects.
The Stroud Brewery tour was a compelling and inspiring experience, offering a clear example of how environmental principles can be seamlessly integrated into business operations. Greg Pilley’s vision and leadership continue to shape Stroud Brewery into a beacon of sustainability in the brewing industry. BFBi thanks Greg and his team for their openness, hospitality, and commitment to excellence.
