For the first time in its 20 year history, parliamentarians attending the All Party Parliamentary Beer Group annual dinner were joined by representatives of the malting industry.
The dinner is a key date for brewing and pub chiefs and is attended by over 100 MPs and Peers. They gather to celebrate British beer and pubs – and to discuss issues affecting the trade.
“Politicians are beginning to take on board the importance of brewing and the hospitality industry” said Euan Macpherson, chairman of the Maltsters’ Association of Great Britain. “What they are less aware of is the role played by the malting industry. In fact they, like most people in this country would be hard pressed to give you a definition of malt.”
Euan said that members of the Maltsters’ Association were at the event to spread the word about malt as a natural, wholesome ingredient and as a major economic influence.
“All the MPs and Peers we spoke to at least now know that malt is grain, usually barley, that has been steeped, germinated and kilned. They also learnt that the great maltings of Britain enable over eight billion pints of beer a year to be produced, and over 500 million bottles of whisky. British malt generates over 135,000 jobs in or associated with brewing and distilling – plus hundreds of thousands more in pubs that sell beer.
“In other words, the economic impact of malt is enormous. Our message to politicians was – great news that you are supporting beer and pubs: keep it up. But don’t overlook the manufacturing sector that enables these industries to survive and flourish! The great maltings of Britain are national economic treasures that need nurturing. We want future generations to be able to raise their glasses to beer brewed and whisky distilled in this country from premium quality British ingredients.”
Further information: Frances Brace, frances@redflamecommunications.co.uk 07432 692309