ABOUT HARRIS HOMECRAFT LTD
Harris Homecraft Ltd is a family run business with a proud heritage dating back to 1971, when it was founded by Robert Edward Harris as Harris Filters. Originally established to manufacture filtration equipment for the home winemaking industry, the company quickly gained recognition for quality and innovation, supplying products to a growing network of wholesalers and retailers. From the outset, Harris Filters combined technical expertise with a passion for home brewing, laying the foundation for a business that would become a trusted name in the UK and international homebrew market.
One of the company’s most iconic products, the Vinbrite Wine Filter, remains the best selling wine filter in the world, reflecting Harris Homecraft’s long standing commitment to excellence and innovation.
Growth Through the 1970s and 1980s
During the 1970s, Harris Filters capitalised on the growing interest in home brewing and winemaking. As demand increased, the business expanded significantly, establishing a strong presence across the region and supplying a growing network of wholesalers and retailers. The company opened a retail shop in the West Midlands, which quickly became a landmark and attracted customers from a wide geographical area.
By the 1980s, Harris Filters had become a leading supplier in the homebrew market, working with major retailers such as Boots PLC, Tesco PLC, Wilko’s, and Woolworth’s to develop professional, reliable equipment. The rise of home beer and wine kits transformed the hobby, and Harris Filters continued to supply products that brewers could trust.
Market Challenges
The 1990s and early 2000s brought new challenges, with cheaper commercial wines and beers (often from the EU) and poor quality kits making home brewing less appealing. Many organisations closed, but Harris Filters successfully navigated the market thanks to its unique structure as both retailer and manufacturer. During this period, the company expanded its portfolio and built a solid reputation for customer service, integrity, and quality products.
Modern Home Brewing and Innovation
Recent years have seen renewed interest in home craft beer and winemaking, alongside a surge in commercial craft breweries. Rising excise duties, stricter drink drive laws, and the public smoking ban have encouraged more consumers to enjoy drinks at home.
The COVID-19 lockdown in 2020 sparked a wave of new home brewers, many of whom discovered the quality and enjoyment possible with modern craft beer and wine kits and professional grade equipment, a trend that continues today. Harris Homecraft has expanded its product offering to meet these evolving needs.
The growing interest in craft beer has driven strong demand for high quality ingredients and equipment, with more brewers making beer from all grain and partial mash kits that emulate commercially brewed ales. Equipment and ingredients continue to evolve, and Harris Homecraft remains at the forefront.
Expanding Product Range
Over the years, Harris Homecraft has expanded its range to offer more choice for home brewers and winemakers. We now provide commercial grade equipment, freshly crushed malt grains, vacuum packed hop pellets, premium yeasts, nutrients, sugars, and a wide range of chemicals in premium packaging for home brewers and winemakers. We also offer an own branded product packaging service for retailers and continually seek new products and innovative solutions to support the hobby around the world.
Expertise and International Reach
Harris Homecraft is proud of its highly skilled team. Staff are technically trained to PhD level and hold Chartered Institute of Brewing & Distilling qualifications, bringing unrivalled expertise to the development and supply of premium quality products. Today, Harris Homecraft supplies retailers not only across the UK but internationally, including the USA, Canada, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand.
A Family Legacy
Following the passing of founder Robert Edward Harris, the business was taken over in 2013 by his son, Dr Robert John Harris, who led a process of restructuring and rebranding to Harris Homecraft Ltd, reflecting the company’s expanded product portfolio. Robert developed many new product lines, including Pure Brew, SureSan, the Homecraft Mead Making Kit, Mead Fermentation Packs, and Mead Infusions, alongside authoring The Art of Mead Making and The Art of Craft Winemaking. Sadly, Dr Robert Harris passed away in July 2024.
Today, the business is run by third generation James Harris, grandson of Robert Edward Harris and son of Dr Robert John Harris, who continues to grow the business, develop new products, and support brewers of all levels. Harris Homecraft remains committed to delivering reliable brewing and winemaking products, combining a rich heritage with modern innovation.
Keg Craft
In 2026, Harris Homecraft launched Keg Craft, a dedicated brand offering premium quality brewing equipment at affordable prices. Keg Craft reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to innovation, quality, and supporting the growing home and craft brewing market.
