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21st November 2018

Low Alcohol Hen Joins the Flock

Old Speckled Hen is adding to its family with the launch of Old Speckled Hen Low Alcohol to reflect changing lifestyle and consumer landscape embracing healthier living.

Greene King, under the Morland & Co brewery brand, is introducing a 0.5% abv version of the UK’s number one premium ale Old Speckled Hen. Old Speckled Hen Low Alcohol faithfully delivers flavour characteristics reminiscent of the 5.0% abv bottled beer and echoes the familiar malty toffee and caramel notes which gives Old Speckled Hen its rich smooth and distinctive flavour.  Like the original, Old Speckled Hen Low Alcohol is brewed with Pale and Crystal malts alongside Challenger, First Gold and Goldings hops allowing the unique toffee malt character for which it is known to shine through.

The no and low alcohol beer sector is rapidly growing and is now the second fastest growing beer category in supermarkets after craft beer and is now worth £48.6m, up 35.1% in the last year according to Nielsen data.* Nearly a quarter of adults claim they have consumed no or low alcohol beer in the last year as the healthy living lifestyle trend continues to rise.**

“Important in the decision whether to introduce low or no alcohol version of our famous beer is the driving belief that the beer should always taste like a proper beer” explains Matt Starbuck, managing director, Greene King Brewing & Brands.  “After extensive consumer tasting trials and expert tasting panel analysis it was decided to introduce a low alcohol version so our brewers could absolutely match that consumer expectation.”

“The low alcohol beer market is fast evolving as people’s drinking habits adapt to fit with healthier lifestyle choices.  Choosing alcohol free drinks shouldn’t mean compromising on the occasion and there is an ever increasing demand for a grown up alternative to soft drinks and alcohol free beers that simply don’t hit the taste mark.  Old Speckled Hen is a trusted and much loved brand whose gluten free version swiftly rose to become market leader when it launched in 2017 and we are confident that Old Speckled Hen Low Alcohol will achieve just that in this market category.”

Old Speckled Hen Low Alcohol will be available in Greene King and free trade pubs, independent retailers and online at www.greenekingbrewery.co.uk from the end of November 2018 in single 500ml bottle format.

Ends

For further information contact beckyhaywood@greeneking.co.uk / 07974 132040

About Greene King

  • Greene King was founded in 1799 and is headquartered in Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk. It currently employs around 40,000 people across its main trading businesses; Pub Company, Pub Partners and Brewing & Brands.
  • It operates c. 2,900 pubs, restaurants and hotels across England, Wales and Scotland, of which c.1,750 are retail pubs, restaurants and hotels, and c.1,150 are tenanted, leased and franchised pubs. Its leading retail brands and formats include Hungry Horse, Farmhouse Inns, Chef & Brewer and the Greene King Local Pubs estate.
  • Greene King also brews quality ale brands from its Bury St. Edmunds and Dunbar breweries. Its industry leading portfolio includes Greene King IPA, Old Speckled Hen, Abbot Ale and Belhaven Best.

*NIELSEN week commencing 06.10.18

** POPULUS OMNIBUS May 2018 – 2,000 respondents

 

Further information:

Becky Haywood

Communications Manager

Brewing & Brands

Greene King plc | Abbot House | Westgate Brewery | Bury St Edmunds | Suffolk | IP33 1QT

Mob: 07974132040 Landline: 01284 714162