Beer sales in the UK have slumped by 82% since the start of the lockdown, according to a survey by SIBA, the Society of Independent Brewers.
But as pubs remain closed, the increase in doorstep deliveries, online orders and retail sales has created demand for glass packaging which manufacturer Beatson Clark is working hard to meet.
The South Yorkshire company is concentrating on production of its 330ml amber 1907 beer bottle, which is ideal for breweries large and small both in the UK and overseas.
“Our 1907 beer bottle is a very popular design and is used by many well-known breweries, including BrewDog,” said Charlotte Taylor, Marketing Manager at Beatson Clark.
“It’s important to maintain the production and supply of food, beverages and pharmaceutical products during the COVID-19 crisis, and to do that producers need packaging.
“That’s why we took the decision to keep our glassworks running and to put in place stringent health and safety measures to protect our staff while they carry out their work.”
With pubs, bars and restaurants closed the main market for independent breweries has ceased to exist – but they are finding new channels to supply their customers.
The SIBA report found that 70% of craft breweries are offering new delivery or takeaway services to keep the beer flowing, and around 61% of those breweries are offering free delivery.
Meanwhile over half of craft breweries (55%) say they have seen an increase in online beer sales.
A number of breweries and cider makers that use Beatson Clark’s bottles are seeing an increase in online sales, including Dunkertons Cider, Saltaire Brewery and BrewDog.
Dunkertons Cider in Gloucester uses amber beer bottles from Beatson Clark and has seen a 1,100% increase in sales of bottled cider advertised via social media and through the company’s new online shop.
Saltaire Brewery has introduced a delivery service for their beers across West Yorkshire using Beatson Clark’s 330ml and 500ml amber bottles and is hoping to expand deliveries to the rest of the UK soon.
The brewery reports that the delivery service has been so successful it may continue deliveries if there is still demand even after the lockdown is lifted.
Meanwhile BrewDog, which is a long-standing customer of Beatson Clark, has also reported an increase in online sales since the start of the lockdown.
Beatson Clark’s beer bottles are available to order direct in bulk or in lower volumes via Beatson Clark’s distributors around the world.
The company has a long history of supplying beer bottles to many well-known breweries including BrewDog, Robinsons, Camerons, Greene King and the UK’s only Trappist beer, Tynt Meadow.
To make an enquiry or place an order visit www.beatsonclark.co.uk/contact
. Notes to editors:
- The survey of 282 UK small independent brewers by the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) was conducted from 9th to 14th April 2020.
- Read more on the SIBA website: https://www.siba.co.uk/2020/
04/17/82-drop-beer-sales- covid-19-lockdown-hits-craft- breweries-hardest/ - Beatson Clark specialises in providing glass packaging solutions for niche brands in the food, drink and pharmaceutical markets worldwide. The key to its success has been flexibility, innovation and the high quality of its containers.
- Beatson Clark’s customers are at the core of its business and the company is proud of the long-standing partnerships it has developed thanks to the outstanding level of service it offers.
- Beatson Clark has a turnover of £58 million and a production capacity of up to 540 million units or up to 145,000 tonnes. It employs approximately 350 people.
- It has ISO 9001:2008, BRC/IOP Food Packaging Hygiene Standard and OHSAS 18001:1999 Occupational Health & Safety Standard and its manufacturing capability has an emphasis on flexibility to facilitate short tailored production runs. It has a UK distribution centre located in South Yorkshire.
- To find out more about Beatson Clark visit www.beatsonclark.co.uk
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https://weareshootingstar.co.uk/newsroom/2246-beatson- clark-continues-production-of- beer-bottles-to-meet-brewery- demand For media information contact:
Jez Ashberry
Shooting Star
01522 528540
07780 735071
jez@weareshootingstar.co.uk
8th May 2020