Sainsbury’s boosts Scottish craft beer range

Sainsbury’s is upping its commitment to Scottish craft beer with the launch of 32 new lines in stores north of the border.

Sainsbury’s ups its Scottish beer range north of the border

The retailer has taken on three new breweries as part of the move – German-style brew house West Brewery in Glasgow, Tweedbank-based Tempest Brew Co. and the Isle of Skye Brewing Co. This brings the number of Scottish breweries the retailer works with to 21, including Harviestoun, William Brothers and Cairngorm Brewery, who are all launching new products with Sainsbury’s in September.

In total, fourteen of the new lines are completely new to market, the retailer said, and include a chocolate and coffee stout, a honey ale and a grapefruit infused IPA. Other additions include Belhaven’s Bridge to Nowhere Pilsner, Harviestoun’s 9th Legion Red Ale, and Eden Mill’s Weize Guy Rotweizen

Sainsbury’s said its craft ale category was in double-digit growth and going “from strength-to-strength”.

“As this category continues to develop and grow in popularity, this has created opportunities for Sainsbury’s to work collaboratively with existing suppliers to extend the range of local ales, offering a wider choice and the chance to try products produced locally,” it said.

Kenny Webster, managing director of Isle of Skye Brewing, said the appetite was still growing from consumers. “Customers want a beer with real character and they want to experiment with their purchases so Sainsbury’s commitment to stocking Scottish products is really encouraging and we’re proud to be a part of the announcement,” he said.

The new lines will hit shelves ahead of Scotland Food & Drink Fortnight which starts on Saturday, a move applauded by Fergus Ewing MSP, cabinet secretary for rural economy and connectivity.

“As we get ready to shine a spotlight on Scotland’s larder during Scotland Food and Drink Fortnight, it’s fantastic to hear how supermarkets are increasing their range of craft beers, ales and ciders, working with local companies to help them expand their businesses and to provide a wider range of Scottish produce for consumers to enjoy responsibly,” he said.