Tesco has launched a new own-label beer supporting the British Hop Association (BHA). Tesco is the first supermarket to carry the BHA’s logo on its new own-label beer – Single Hopped Kentish Ale – which has been produced in collaboration with UK brewer Shepherd Neame.
Following a surge in popularity for US styled craft beers; there has been an increasing reliance on imported hops to the detriment of British produced hops. The decline has prompted the BHA to contact UK brewers and encourage them to support regional hop growers.
Ali Capper of the British Hop Association, who is also a hop grower, commented: “The American trend that has led to a worldwide resurgence of interest in craft brewing has been a double-edged sword at home in the UK. The interest in brewing with high quality raw ingredients has helped create jobs in the industry but unfortunately brewers don’t always choose British grown hops. In copying the trend, many British brewers have sought to emulate not only the trend but also the exact beer style. Imports in New World hops have substantially increased in recent years.”
Danielle Jack, Product Development Manager for Beers at Tesco added “Tesco is very proud to be the first major retailer to use the BHA logo on one of our products, helping to raise awareness as well as show support for British hop growers. It is important that we maintain our British heritage in beer and hop production, highlighting the quality and flavour attributes of home grown hops wherever possible.”
The new Single Hopped Kentish Ale is available in Tesco stores now for £1.89. It is brewed using one of the UK’s most famous hops, East Kent Golding and has a “distinct smooth taste with malty undertones, enhanced by uplifting botanical hop notes, a touch of spice and delicate herbal aromas.”
Image: Ali Capper of the British Hop Association with her husband
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For further information, images or samples please contact:
Gemma Duncan, Tesco BWS PR Manager
E: gemma.b.duncan@uk.tesco.com