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Shepherd Neame reinstates commitment to cask ale
Shepherd Neame has reaffirmed its commitment to cask after it was revealed this week that it was finding craft keg beer preferential.
In response to recent reports via the Telegraph, which stated how the Kent-based brewery was leaning more towards kegged dispense, Shepherd Neame’s chief executive Jonathan Neame said: “At present, Shepherd Neame is seeing growth in keg beer and a decline in cask beer and bottled beer, driven by the market” but insisted “we remain completely committed to cask ale and see no reason why the category will not recover again”.
Neame explained: “We brew a diverse range of award-winning cask ales, and in the past year have won multiple awards for our beers, including two ‘World’s Best’ honours in the World Beer Awards 2024. We also continue to invest in our popular Cask Club programme, which sees new beers incorporating modern styles and flavours released through the year, along with seasonal classics, and is aimed at encouraging new drinkers to enjoy cask ale.”
Neame also admitted that “ the taxation and regulation facing British brewers and pub companies currently make life very challenging for all in our sector” but added: “We hope the government is listening to the calls for an urgent review”.
In response to the comment from Shepherd Neame outlining its stance on cask beer, CAMRA campaigns and communications director Nick Boley said: “We applaud Shepherd Neame for swiftly reaffirming their complete commitment to cask beer. Cask is an essential part of the UK’s drinks trade and brewing heritage, and we are glad that Shepherd Neame agree with us on its importance.”
Boley explained: “Cask drinkers will no doubt be reassured by this, and we hope other UK brewers take note. We look forward to seeing Shepherd Neame’s future cask-focused projects, and will gladly work with them and other brewers ahead of the Budget to highlight the sky-high tax burden facing British brewers and pubs.”
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