Scottish brewery moves on Russian market

A Scottish craft brewery is pushing into the Baltic and Russian markets after signing a deal with a Russian distributor.

Inveralmond Brewers, based in Perth, have signed a deal with Russian distribution company Elizabet to export fIve of their most popular brews – Lia Fail, Ossian, Thrappledouser, Homecoming Scotland and Blackfriars.

The deal will see the bottles journey for five days on land and sea to take on the Baltic – one of the UK’s fastest growing export markets- and Russian market.

Russian beer sales have soared by more than 40 per cent in recent years with beer marketed as a “healthier alternative” to spirits in the past.

Until recently the beverage was considered a “soft drink” as it fell below the country’s 10 per cent alcohol threshold.

In January 2012 a bill was signed which means beer is now officially classified as alcoholic.

Bob Hogg, commercial director of The Inveralmond Brewery, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be partnering with Elizabet on the distribution of our products to the Russian market.

“Russia is a vast country and logistical distribution is key to long term success.

“Russia has demonstrated affinity with many Scottish products including whisky, Scottish salmon and now beer.”

Scottish Development International (SDI) assisted the brewery in signing the deal.

Audrey Leng, from SDI, said: “The Inveralmond Brewery’s portfolio of high quality Scottish craft beers are a popular choice for the Russian market and we’re delighted we could assist them in exporting their products to this very important market.

“The deal will inevitably result in growing reach of the brewery’s portfolio internationally, and we hope this will translate into jobs and further commercial growth back home in Scotland.”