Proving it's not all doom and gloom in the brewing industry, Lincolnshire family brewer George Bateman & Son has reported record beer sales for 2009. Batemans saw a 5% increase in its beer trade, distributing more than 40,000 barrels through its retail estate of 65 pubs as well as supermarkets, national drinks distributors and other leading wholesalers.
Managing Director Stuart Bateman said: "I believe that one of the keys to our success is that we have better and more innovative licensess today. And our customers and suppliers tell the brewery team they like dealing with us, rather than a faceless corporate group. We have increased our training levels through both the brewery and the pubs and we believe our licensees feel very well supported. We also happen to brew great tasting beer!"
Bateman's beer are now available in 14 markets, including Australia, Brazil, Channel Islands, Cyrpus, Denmark, France, Finland, Ireland, North America, Norway, Russia, Scandinavia, South Africa and Spain. The brewery's Christmas ale, Rosey Nosey, had another bumper year in 2009, performing exceptionally well through major multiples and selected independents. All Bateman's bottled beers are vegetarian and vegan friendly.
*There's more good news further south in Suffolk, where Adnams of Southwold has announced it's to hold its beer prices for a further 12 months until the end of
2010. Following a price freeze throughout 2009, Adnams beer prices have been held for its tied and free trade customers since March 2008 -- that's excluding duty rises.
Adnams owns 74 pubs in East Anglia and London while its cask and bottled ales, including Bitter, Broadside, Explorer and East Green, are available throughout the country.