Marston’s Announces Distribution of Shipyard Brewing Beers in UK
Marston’s aims to quench the growing thirst for ‘new world’ craft beers by building on the existing collaboration with Shipyard Brewing Co, which will see the launch of Shipyard American Pale Ale in a draught 30 litre keg format in May.
This collaboration is the next stage of a partnership established between Ringwood and Shipyard to distribute Old Thumper in the USA over 15 years ago. American Pale Ale is a new interpretation of Shipyard’s Independence Pale Ale which has been a success on Marston’s guest cask ale programme and will be brewed in collaboration with the Marston’s brewing team at their Park brewery in Wolverhampton. At 4.5% and bursting with a Citrus hop aroma, American Pale Ale is crafted using four American hops: Chinook, Cascade, Columbus and Centennial.
James Coyle, sales director for Marston’s comments: “The popularity of craft beer is growing and forecast to continue to rise over the coming years as UK consumers search out new beer experiences. Our research has shown the market for ‘craft beers’ combines more established continental speciality beers with an emerging market of American and UK craft brewers producing lighter lager/Pale Ale hybrid beers with more fruity hop character, which we classify as ‘new world’ craft beers’.
“We feel that the launch of Shipyard’s American Pale Ale will further quench the thirst of UK drinkers who have been swift to adopt American craft beers.”
Similar to the recent growth in world lager, ‘new world’ craft beer is seeing volume growth in an overall declining UK beer market, with sales now equating to a third of all speciality beer sales.
James continues: “The emergence of ‘new world’ craft beer represents a profitable opportunity to build on the success of established ‘old world’ speciality beers of Belgium, Germany and the Czech Republic. Our collaboration with Shipyard is just the beginning of what is set to be a very exciting time for Marston’s in terms of new product development.”
Shipyard Brewing Co. from Portland, Maine USA is an American microbrewery founded in 1994, famous for its Export Ale and characterful brews such as Pumpkinhead and Monkey Fist IPA. The brewery was recently ranked the 15th largest microbrewery in the USA.
Fred Forsley, founder of Shipyard adds: “This collaboration with Marston’s provides a great platform to bring our beers to a wider audience. The emergence and growth of the US craft beer market in the UK is a very exciting opportunity and we look forward to American Pale Ale providing British drinkers with an enjoyable drinking experience.”
Follow Shipyard Brewing on Twitter
