John Brown, chief executive of Cornwall Chamber of Commerce, said he had empathy for those who could potentially lose their jobs.
He said: “This isn’t something you ever want to see happen, especially with a brand that has been such a powerful part of the Cornish story.
“It’s a great shame to hear that it’s being reviewed … albeit as part of what seems to be a more national review that’s being undertaken by the parent company.”
Brown added the brands themselves might not disappear but that would be “no comfort” to those whose jobs relied on the brewery.
“It’s one of these moments where you do have to reflect on what’s been happening over the last few years, the costs of energy, the costs of this sort of infrastructure, transportation,” he added.
“I’m hoping that those 50 or so people that are finding themselves in this seriously unfortunate, awful situation will find new opportunities and continue to flourish in this wonderful economy.”