Key Points
- Edinburgh-based Vault City reports 38% year-on-year sales growth between April and December despite craft beer sector slowdown.
- Turnover on track to reach £10 million by end of 2027, marking best-ever year.
- Relocated to new 36,000 sq ft facility at BioCampus in Midlothian Science Zone after successful crowdfunder raising over £330,000.
- New site enables production of over 10 million litres annually; sold 3.3 million cans in 2025.
- Exports to 26 countries with 62% year-on-year increase, driven by supermarket sales and international demand.
Edinburgh (Edinburgh Daily News) February 17, 2026 – Vault City, the specialist sour beer producer, is defying industry challenges with surging sales and ambitious expansion plans. The Edinburgh firm achieved 38% year-on-year growth from April to December, propelled by strong supermarket performance and rising global demand.
At this pace, Vault City anticipates hitting £10 million turnover for the first time by the end of 2027, according to reporting from Scottish Financial News and Daily Business. The company produced 14,384 hectolitres and sold 3.3 million cans in 2025, underscoring its robust trajectory amid sector-wide difficulties.
How is Vault City outperforming the craft beer slowdown?
Vault City has maintained independence by focusing on its signature sour beer style, which co-founder Steven Smith-Hay credits for the firm’s growth. Sales to supermarkets and a 62% rise in exports to 26 countries have fuelled double-digit expansion, as detailed by TheBusinessDesk.com Scotland.
As reported by Peter Walker of TheBusinessDesk.com Scotland, the brewer’s performance contrasts sharply with industry closures and pressures from duty changes and minimum wage hikes set for April.
What expansions has Vault City undertaken recently?
Following crowdfunder campaigns in 2024 and 2025 that exceeded targets by 32% to raise more than £330,000, Vault City relocated from Portobello to a state-of-the-art 36,000 sq ft site at BioCampus in the Midlothian Science Zone. This new facility, seven times larger than the previous one, supports over 10 million litres of annual production with room for further growth, per Daily Business.
Where exactly is the new production site?
The Biocampus location in Penicuik, Edinburgh, replaced the closed Portobello brewery in November, enabling reinvestment into operations and long-term stability, as stated in Vault City’s communications and covered by Scottish Financial News.
What are Vault City’s future plans beyond sour beers?
Steven Smith-Hay indicated the firm aims to broaden its flavour profile, exploring barrel-aged projects, alcohol-free beers, lagers, and IPAs while staying true to quality roots. Amid uncertain times, leaders emphasise reflection and strategic positioning for sustained success, according to Daily Business Group.
These developments position Vault City as a standout in Scotland’s brewing landscape, with verified growth metrics highlighting resilience against broader market headwinds.
