Brewers and suppliers tack on to craft

Leading drinks suppliers and brewing companies are expanding their craft beer portfolios to meet higher consumer demand.

Drinks supplier Matthew Clark and brewing company Carlsberg UK have increased their craft beer portfolios to satisfy the demands of customers.

Matthew Clark has responded to substantial growth in the craft beer sector, which has seen volumes increase by 5.2% in the on-trade over the last 12 months, by adding 40 new products to its range. It now holds over 135 craft beers and ales across draught, bottles and cans.

Since launching last year the Boutique Beer range has sold over four million litres of beer, with sales of the range seeing 45% year-on-year volume increases.

IPAs and porters are continuing to be popular, with more specialty styles such as farmhouse ales and saisons also seeing growth interest from customers. Craft beers from the UK have also seen a surge in popularity with value across the market up 28%.

The range will be showcased at events across the UK this summer at Edinburgh, Liverpool, Bristol and Birmingham, kicking off with Boutique Beers in London tomorrow when the Boutique Beers Clipper will set sail from Blackfriars Pier to Trinity Buoy Wharf.

Matthew Clark’s very own Beer SommALEier, Melissa Cole, said: “with 66% of UK beer drinkers willing to pay a little more money for better quality beer the craft beer movement is now booming.

“This is a really exciting time for beer and I’m delighted to see Matthew Clark championing the category with this extensive offering of craft beers from all corners of the world including Mexico, Japan and New Zealand.”

It’s not all about beer though, Matthew Clarks’s Boutique Beers Live tasting will also see the launch of the new range of Perfectly Picked Ciders from across the globe including Orpens from Ireland, to compliment customers’ beer range.

Big brands are also jumping on the craft beer bandwagon, with Carlsberg growing their collection of speciality beers.

Their range has increased to 39 beers, each handpicked to help the UK on-trade capitalise on the increasing demand for craft beers.

This year’s range will include lagers, bitters, pilsners, pale ales, porters and wheat beers – with a mix of draught, bottled and canned products available.

New additions will include Boulevard Tank 7 Farmhouse Ale, Fuller’s Frontier and Grimbergen Blonde.

Kathryn Purchase, director of customer marketing at Carlsberg UK, said: “With year-on-year growth for craft beer in the UK up 34% and the average pint of craft beer commanding an additional 75-90p per pint, there has never been a better time for operators to explore and exploit the potential of craft and speciality beers.”