The company was established by JC Jacobsen in 1847

The company told staff on Tuesday that the Alloa distribution depot could be shut as early as August.

The plan is expected to affect 58 permanent staff members.

The announcement to shut the depot comes as the Danish brewer and Heineken entered takeover talks with Scottish and Newcastle.

Ochil MSP Keith Brown described the closure as "shameful".

He questioned the need for job losses, saying: "Right now, across the country, their business is successful and their profits by all accounts very healthy.

'Difficult decision'

"They have very deep roots in Alloa, and Carlsberg and its jobs have played an important part in the town for many years.

"I personally know people who work for them. I am sure many others in Clackmannanshire can say the same.

"I am worried that Carlsberg's 'consultation' is a foregone conclusion. I will though be seeking meetings with the workforce and management as soon as can be arranged."

Local Labour MP Gordon Banks also expressed concern at the news.

He said: "I'm surprised that Carlsberg have decided not to engage with the local authority and elected representatives and I will be actively seeking a meeting with Carlsberg management in order to see how best we can move forward but we are now in a difficult position due to the lack of prior notification."

Clackmannanshire Council leader Janet Cadenhead said she was shocked and disappointed that the company had given no prior indication of their plans.

We will immediately undertake a full consultation process with each employee offering them full support in this uncertain time Carlsberg UK spokesman

She said: "If 58 jobs are going to go, that is 58 families that will be affected.

"We are keen to talk to Carlsberg to see if there is any way to work through this.

"Would they look at a smaller depot and what are their plans for their employees?

"I always react with anger at these announcements. If we had had a heads-up beforehand we could have seen if there was anything to avoid this."

A Carlsberg UK spokesman said escalating inflationary and market pressures had led the company to evaluate its cost base, structures and commercial strategies.

He added: "It is within this context that we have made this difficult decision.

"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."