Independent brewer, Bath Ales, has just signed a key export deal with the biggest country in the world as the business plans further dramatic growth in overseas sales.
Russia has become the tenth country to join Bath Ales’ export portfolio as the business looks to introduce its beers to new territories. Shipments to foreign markets doubled in 2013 and the brewer intends to double sales again in 2014.
Export manager, Moussa Clarke, said: “Demand for quality craft beer overseas is booming and we’re confident the quality of our products will see us deliver further success.
“We currently export to countries as far away as Mexico, Brazil and New Zealand as well as closer to home in Europe, and this year we’re planning to significantly increase our distribution abroad. We’ve been working hard to build our reputation overseas. This new deal sets the tone for what we can achieve.”
The deal with Russia will see Bath Ales’ flagship beer, Gem, as well as Wild Hare, Dark Side and Barnsey, available in the off-trade market nationwide. Distribution will be handled from Moscow.
Moussa continued: “We’re exporting a range of different styles and flavours of beer which is designed to showcase exactly what we’re capable of.
“We’re an extremely dynamic business and we believe we make beers which have genuine appeal in very many markets so I’m excited to see where we can take it.”
Robin Couling, Managing Director at Bath Ales, added: “The reputation of British brewing overseas is arguably at an all-time high, though many brewers do not capitalise on the opportunity.
“Currently only about 17% of breweries in the UK export their beer overseas so we’re one of the pioneers and there are huge benefits to be gained.”
As well as increasing sales overseas, Bath Ales is gearing up for a busy start to the year as plans to refurbish its new venues in Bristol’s Colston Hall get underway.
Robin continued: “We’ve just weeks into the New Year, but we’re already brewing up a storm at Hare House and making ambitious plans for the months ahead – it’s going to be a very big year for us.”
ENDS
Notes to editors:
Russia is now the biggest export market for Bath Ales, followed by New Zealand and Brazil.
For more information, images or interviews, please contact Amy Bullen at Inside Media on 01179 066 526 or amy.bullen@insidemedia.uk.com.
About Bath Ales:
Based between Bath and Bristol, Bath Ales is an independent brewery established in 1995 which uses traditional brewing techniques with cutting-edge technology. The founders come from a brewing background and combine a range of skills with a shared passion for all styles of beer.
The business currently produces just over 20,000 brewer’s barrels annually and has had its own bottling plant since 2007. Sustained investment plans will see the brewery continue to increase production volumes. Bath Ales also has an on-site brewery shop.
Bath Ales now operate 11 sites across the South West – Colston Hall, The Hare on the Hill, The Hop Pole, The Salamander, The Swan, The Wellington, Beerd, The Grapes a little bit further afield in Oxford, and three Graze, Brasserie & Chophouse sites in Bath, Bristol and Cirencester. The latest flagship Graze in Bath also features a fully functional microbrewery.
The Bath Ales range of beers includes Gem, Barnsey, Dark Side, Wild Hare, Special Pale Ale and Ginger Hare.
Amy Bullen
Inside Media
Twitter: @InsideMediaPR
Tel: 01179 066 526 / 07827 852 928
@InsideMediaPR / www.insidemedia.uk.com