Greene King Hosts First Free Trade Festive Showcase

Greene King, the UK’s leading pub company and brewer, hosted its first Free Trade Festive Showcase this week. Existing and prospective free trade customers from all over the South East, and further afield, were invited to the event to sample, discover and connect. Sponsored by Greene King’s partners – Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, Pernod Ricard, Diageo, Westons Cider, Thatchers Cider, Heineken, Asahi UK, Budweiser Brewing Group and Vinarchy – nearly 300 delegates attended on the day.

Greene King is the wholesale partner of 4,500 free trade accounts, nationally – supporting its customers through value-led offers, business advice, financial support and practical marketing. Through its network of customers, Greene King is supporting the growth of cask ale beyond its own pubs. The Free Trade Festive Showcase was an opportunity for customers to find out more about the support on offer to them, hear insights from a range of suppliers, sample products and access on-the-day promotions ahead of the busy festive period.

Paul Downing, Greene King’s On Trade Sales Director, said: “Following the success of our Summer Showcase event in Norwich earlier this year, I’m delighted that this Festive Showcase was equally successful. These Showcases are a great way to connect with our existing and prospective customers – taking the time to demonstrate our commitment to supporting our wholesale network. It was fantastic getting to speak to a number of delegates at the event, to really understand what they’re looking for and to show them how we can meet their needs.

“The Showcase is just one example of the support we provide. By partnering with Greene King, customers gain access to ongoing guidance, expert insight and a wealth of expertise designed to help them maximise opportunities and drive long-term success.

“A big thank you to everyone who attended, and to our sponsors and exhibitors – without them events like this couldn’t happen. The Summer and Festive Showcases are set to be annual fixtures and we will certainly look to host more events like this throughout the year and in different regions.”

A representative from Budweiser Brewing Group said: “It's been one of the best trade shows I've ever been to by layout, venue, footfall – it’s been really, really good. Can't wait for the next one.”

Notes to editors

Greene King is the country’s leading pub company and brewer trading c2,500 pubs, restaurants and hotels across England, Wales and Scotland.

At Greene King we are passionate about delivering our purpose of ‘We Pour Happiness into Lives’. That’s for our customers, our team, our pub partners, our suppliers and the communities in which we live, operate and serve. Founded in 1799 with offices in Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk and Burton on Trent in Staffordshire we employ around 38,000 people across the group and operate three business areas including Managed Pubs, Pub Partners and Brewing & Brands.

• Managed Pubs: Our Managed Pubs bring together our best-known pub and restaurant brands nationwide, including Greene King pubs, Hungry Horse, Chef & Brewer, Farmhouse Inns and Flaming Grill. We offer great service, quality and value for a wide range of eating and drinking occasions. Ventures includes Hickory’s, Premium (Crafted Pubs & Metropolitan Pub Company) and Hotels, which operate independently of Greene King’s managed pub brands.

• Pub Partners: Pub Partners runs our tenanted and leased pubs business and Hive and Nest franchise pubs. These options combine entrepreneurial independence with practical support, enabling partners to run successful local businesses within a market‑leading estate. We have c.1,000 leased, tenanted and franchise pubs.

• Brewing & Brands covers the brewing sides of the business. Quality ales are brewed at the Westgate brewery in Bury St Edmunds and the Belhaven Brewery in Dunbar. Our industry-leading portfolio includes Greene King IPA, Abbot Ale, Ice Breaker and Belhaven Best and our premium beers, Level Head and Hazy Day, brewed for the modern-day drinker.

Find more information on our website: corporate.greeneking.co.uk

For further information please contact Greene King Press Office via pressoffice@greeneking.co.uk.

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