The company was established by J.C. Jacobsen in 1847

The company told employees on Wednesday that it intended to shut the plant, which employs 58 permanent members of staff, as early as August.

A company spokesman blamed the proposed closure on escalating inflation and market pressures.

A 30-day consultation period with staff aimed at finding a solution to the expected job losses has now begun.

A spokesman for Carlsberg UK said staff had reacted with disappointment to the news.

He said: "Carlsberg UK can confirm that as part of the company's supply chain review announced last year, Carlsberg UK are proposing the closure of its Alloa depot.

"We remain committed to our Scottish business but we believe there are economies of scale and other operational synergies in developing local distribution partnerships.

"The employees potentially affected are now our priority. Open communication with our employees is key to our business hence we will immediately undertake a full consultation process with each employee offering them full support in this uncertain time."