Drinks giant Diageo has warned the UK government it could be forced to take operations abroad if tax duties continue to rise.
Speaking to the BBC World Service, chief executive Paul Walsh said the UK needed a "simplified" tax regime, regarding the introduction of a new top rate of income tax for those earning more than £150,000 a year.
The departure of the drinks company would be a major blow to manufacturers involved in the malting, brewing and distilling processes as Diageo is a major player.
With brands including Guinness, Baileys and Archers, an exit from the UK would be no pint-sized problem.
Demand for drinks machinery such as mixers, blenders and weightbelt feeders may take a sharp decline if the company goes overseas.
Mr Walsh said his firm is just one of a number considering options abroad.
He called for a deduction in corporation tax, as "abnormally high" levies will prompt companies to look at other jurisdictions in what is becoming an increasingly competitive global environment.
Diageo’s announcement comes after Kraft Foods revealed it is to move one of its Cadbury plants to Poland following the US cheese firm’s takeover of the British confectionary group.