Real Ale, the specialist craft beer retailer, has been instrumental in the development of the M&S British craft 330ml own-label can range. Launching nationally in April, the line-up includes: three beers and two ciders which are part of the craft range and a British Lager, in advance of the Football World Cup. For the past eleven years, Real Ale has been an official supplier agent to M&S helping the multi-national retailer source products from smaller craft and regional producers nationally and internationally.
The new British own-label range includes 500ml cans of: a new single and 4-pack Lager from Norfolk-based brewer Woodforde’s; as well as 330ml cans of apple and pear and apple and rhubarb cider from Kentish Pip, Kent; a double-hopped Citra Ale from Peterbrough-based Oakham Ales; a Pale Ale from Arbor Ales, Bristol; and a Cornish-styled Saison from St Austell Brewery, Cornwall.
Zeph King, Managing Director, Real Ale said:
“This exciting own-label canned range further demonstrates M&S’ credentials as an innovator in the craft beer and cider sectors. The progressive styles, inventive use of flavours and the new brands are testament to the retailer’s commitment to both its own consumers and Britain’s smaller breweries. M&S customers gain access to unusual – often hard to source – products, while small craft breweries and cider producers get a massive boost.
“Several of the producers’ businesses have grown thanks to M&S support, including artisan cider producer Kentish Pip, it will also be the first time that Norfolk-based brewery Woodforde’s will have a lager, with a national in-store presence”.
Michael Wallis, Beer Buyer for M&S said: “The 330ml can format is growing in popularity with many of our consumers wanting to purchase a chilled product on the move. Our aim is to offer customers the best selection of own-label cans, alongside our diverse branded line-up, with the convenience of buying great British beers and ciders from their local M&S store.”
Real Ale’s technical team works closely with individual craft producers advising them on ingredients, production of tasting notes, as well as the best product selection to present to M&S. The team also ensures that all breweries are operating to M&S standards for food safety, hygiene and quality, and have robust due diligence systems in place to safeguard M&S’ brand integrity.
M&S has twice won industry accolades by being named ‘Multi-national Beer Retailer of the Year’ in recognition of its range of craft beers from small independent breweries. Real Ale supplies over 200 branded and own-label products to the retailer and has been instrumental in introducing M&S’ new 330ml canned range.
The new M&S own-label canned range is distinctive in appearance with its illustrative design and the name of the independent producer clearly displayed. The 330ml own-label canned range will be nationally in-store from April 2018.
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Notes to editor
Kentish Pip ‘Apple and Pear Cider’ ABV 4%
In the new Bramley Apple and Pear cider, Kentish Pip brings together the nation’s favourite cooking apple with juicy Conference pears combining the flavours of fresh tart apple with sweet and smooth pear.
Kentish Pip ‘Apple and Rhubarb Cider’ ABV 4%
Katy Apple and Rhubarb, is made from crisp early season dessert apples and freshly pressed British rhubarb.
St Austell, ‘Cornish Saison’ ABV 5.9%
Saison, meaning ‘season’ is a refreshing and thirst-quenching beer for summer, with notes of black pepper, spice and citrus, offering lightly tart, sweet flavours and a fresh aroma. Combining Magnum and Citra hops, it is gently spiced with ginger, lemon and lime zest.
Woodforde’s ‘Lager’ ABV 5%
Premium lager ingredients and processes are used to produce this lager. Modern hop varieties give this lager style a contemporary twist.
Oakham Ales ‘Double Hopped Citra’ ABV 5.9%
This contemporary IPA is bursting with aromas of tropical and passion fruit and has a refreshing mango, lemon and lime flavour.
Arbor.’Laid Back Pale Ale’, ABV 3.9%
Arbor set out to create a beer with the hop and malt characteristics of an American Pale Ale, but at a lower strength. Arbor added plenty of American hops throughout the brewing process to deliver bold flavours of citrus, tropical fruits and a hint of pine. They included malted oats and caramalt to add a little sweetness and a slight creaminess to the mouthfeel to offset the lower A.B.V.
For further press information or images for Real Ale please contact:
Gill Shaffer
Hornbeam
Mobile: 00 44 (0) 7958 989124 or (00(0)1223 655743
gill@hornbeamcomms.co.uk