Oddbins opens beer-only shop

UK drinks retailer Oddbins has tapped into the country’s craft ale craze with the launch of an outlet dedicated entirely to beer.

Located in Blackheath, south-east London, the new shop stocks move than 300 craft beers. Of this range, 75% come from the UK, the country of origin that currently accounts for nearly half of Oddbins’ beer sales.

Ayo Akintola, who has been managing director of Oddbins since its 2011 takeover by European Food Brokers (EFB) Group, positioned the move as a sign of the retailer’s commitment to supporting UK suppliers.

“We are currently enjoying a golden age in British brewing,” he remarked. “There are a multitude of smaller craft ale producers who have completely reinvigorated the market. We are committed to working with all our suppliers to support this grass-roots industry at a time when our customers are rapidly discovering the joys of tasty, locally made craft beers.”

The Blackheath opening follows the earlier launch of four Oddbins branded ales, produced in partnership with some of the UK’s top regional craft brewers.

Although Oddbins reputation as a specialist retailer is associated primarily with wine, the company reported a 37% rise in sales of “locally produced” craft beer during the last year.