UK retailer the Co-op has launched a partnership with four Derbyshire breweries as it extends its local sourcing programme across its Derbyshire stores.
The retailer will stock craft beers from the new range in 30 of its stores across the Derbyshire region, in the north of England.
The brewing partners come from various parts of the region and include Dancing Duck Brewery, Derventio Brewery, the Derby Brewing Co and Thornbridge.
“Locally produced ale is an exciting category, we see significant potential for sustainable growth, and we are delighted to champion these beers which are brewed with pride and passion to deliver consistently great quality and taste,” said Simon Dryell, head of local sourcing at the Co-op.
Award-winning Beers
Dancing Duck Brewery is based out of Derby and employs eight people. It will supply the retailer with three of its ales – its largest order to date: 'Ay Up', '22' and 'Dark Drake'. The latter has previously won ‘Champion Stout of Britain’.
“This is an exciting development for Dancing Duck, a move which supports our business development and brand awareness,” said Rachel Matthews, founder of Dancing Duck Brewery.
Derventio Brewery, which is based in Darley Abbey, north of Derby, estimates that the deal could be worth up to 20,000 pints to them over a 12-month period. The brewery will supply its Cleopatra, Gold and Barbarian, a stout with flavours of chocolate, liquorice and coffee, according to the Co-op.
“Working with the Co-op provides further potential to extend our reach and brand awareness, it is an exciting development and further supports our business development as the home market for ale continues to grow,” said Pete Nash of Derventio Brewery.
Family Business
The Nottingham-based family-run microbrewery The Derby Brewing Co will also supply six of its ales to the retailer. They include ‘Business As Usual’, ‘Wild Bear’ and ‘Quintessential’, a crisp golden ale, according to the Co-op.
The fourth brewer, Thornbridge, based out of Bakewell in the Peak District National Park, will supply three ales, according to the Co-op: 'White Swan' – a white gold pale ale; 'Lukas Helles Lager' – a traditional Bavarian style beer and, its 'Jaipur India Pale Ale'.
The retailer announced a similar deal with four Cumbria breweries and a host of other producers last August for items like tea and coffee, confectionary and baked goods.
“The innovation, passion, quality and drive that goes into these products is what makes them special,” added Dryell. “They are prized and loved brands locally. Our customers tell us that food provenance really matters to them, with quality, trust, convenience and value key for consumers. Backing local produce – which is made with local ingredients where possible - is about much more than just ‘hanging out the bunting’. As a community retailer, the Co-op is committed to investing in its local communities, supporting local economies and providing opportunities to showcase, support and celebrate great local produce.”
© 2017 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Kevin Duggan. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine.
