A Visit to Murphy & Son:

A recent ‘Meet The Member’ visit to Murphy & Son gave BFBi a behind-the-scenes look at a company that has stood at the centre of the beverage industry for nearly a century and a half. Established in 1887 by Albert John Murphy, this Nottingham-based institution has built a reputation as a trusted technical partner for brewers, cidermakers, distillers, winemakers, soft drinks producers, and the wider food and beverage sector. From home producers to global manufacturers, Murphy & Son offers more than just ingredients—it provides the science and support that make great drinks possible.

A Legacy of Innovation:

The legacy of Albert John Murphy is everywhere. A true pioneer, Murphy developed processing aids to improve brewing efficiencies and spearheaded the development of copper finings that changed the way beer was clarified. Today, that same spirit of innovation continues through cutting-edge research and a product portfolio that spans preservatives, processing aids, flavour compounds, enzymes, and a growing range of patented technologies.

More Than Ingredients: Five Core Values:

Throughout every conversation and corner of their facilities, Murphy’s five core values stood out:

• · Supportive – Investing in people, mentorship, and community
• · Respectful – Towards staff, customers, the planet, and tradition
• · Excellence – In every technical detail and customer solution
• · Sustainable – A commitment that goes far beyond greenwashing
• · Innovation – With R&D at the core of everything they do

These aren’t just words—they’re visible in the way Murphy & Son operates.

Investing in People and Community:

Murphy & Son is deeply invested in its people. The company currently supports four apprentices, offers regular CPD opportunities, and celebrates its employees through monthly awards for those who go above and beyond. Mental health is a priority, with staff encouraged to take walking meetings or unwind at the nearby local Nottinghamshire Wildlife sites like Attenborough Nature Reserve.

Employees are also given two fully paid days per year to volunteer with local charities, including the Rainbow Trust, fostering a sense of purpose beyond the workplace. This people-first philosophy is reflected in the energy and expertise of the entire team.

Sustainability: A Way of Life:

Sustainability isn’t a trend for Murphy & Son—it’s in their DNA. Long before most were thinking about environmental impact, Murphys was recycling plastic (for over 40 years) and powering operations with solar energy (for over 30). Their dedication has been recognised with the Green Leaves Award in 2022, 2023, and 2024.

Their Brewers’ Secret and Murphys’ Secret initiatives tackle environmental and efficiency challenges head-on—addressing everything from yeast usage to use of flavourings to increase production efficiencies. Their long-term partnerships with suppliers like Pentair (UK service partner), Pneumatec (for nitrogen generation and FDiTechnologies (MCDi Membrane Capacitive Deionisation – the future of ion removal from water) and Frigid Cloud (refrigeration energy optimisation) reflect a shared mission: delivering sustainable solutions within manufacturing.

Murphys also supports customers in accessing sustainability grants to improve their own production processes—an example of their holistic, partnership-driven approach.

Three Sites, One Mission:

Murphy & Son currently operates across three strategic sites:

Basford – The Historic Heartbeat:

Located in a former 1890s brewery, the Basford site is where heritage meets innovation. Purchased in 1919, it now serves as a state-of-the-art blending and manufacturing facility, accredited to UKAS and BRC Grade A standards. It remains one of only two European companies producing isinglass to EFSA protocols. The ongoing goal? Full clean room specification.

Chilwell – The Engine Room:

Their newest facility, the Chilwell Warehouse, became operational in October 2024. With nearly 50,000 square feet and a 3,500-pallet capacity, the site was designed from the ground up to streamline logistics and improve product storage and segregation—including allergen control and hazardous materials. The move of materials storage to Chilwell is expected to be complete by October 2025.

Sutton Bonington – The Future of R&D:

The jewel in Murphy’s innovation crown is their newly announced collaboration with the University of Nottingham, centred at Sutton Bonington. This ground-breaking partnership secures the future of the university’s brewing centre and provides Murphy & Son with a world-class technical hub. It houses QC and R&D labs offering services from ABV and shelf-life testing to gluten and PCR analysis for no/low alcohol products. This is where field meets flask, farmer meets fermentation, and science meets service.

Constant Innovation, Tangible Impact:

Murphy & Son’s innovation pipeline is full and flowing. Their technical team has introduced:

• · New online testing capabilities
• · Gas chromatography for detailed flavour compound analysis
• · Mashlife, a metal-chelating agent that extends shelf life and reduces waste
• · Enzymes for developing more rounded no/low alcohol drinks
• · And several patent-pending technologies that are set to change the industry

They’re also helping drive circular packaging solutions, with returnable drums washed on-site in Basford (up to 6 reuses in a four-year shelf life), and promoting sustainable transport via an employee electric car scheme.

Knowledge Before Sales:

One of the most refreshing elements of Murphy & Son is their technical-first approach. The sales team are not just account managers—they’re experts, working hand-in-hand with customers to improve product quality and efficiency. The company’s knowledge transfer partnership with the University of Nottingham further ensures they stay ahead of the curve.

Final Thoughts:

Visiting Murphy & Son is a glimpse into a responsible, research-led company, rooted in values that matter. In a world chasing quick wins, Murphy’s plays the long game—building trust, driving innovation, and empowering people to make better drinks, more sustainably.

If you produce beverages and haven’t yet connected with Murphy & Son, now is the time www.murphyandson.co.uk