Brewers like Black Sheep helping ale flourish

November 5, 2007: It's not time to call last orders on cask ales just yet according to Cask Marque and the North Yorkshire-based brewer Black Sheep.

Both the wine and cask ale industry are continuing to flourish and attracting the nation back into Britain's pubs, bars and restaurants, despite the French wine makers' claim that beer is losing its appeal.

	THE INTELLIGENT CHOICE
	The Intelligent Choice, the True State of the Market for Cask Ale in 2007 was jointly funded by Why Handpull, The Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA), the Independent Family Brewers of Britain (IFBB), the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), the Cask Marque Trust and pubs.

Paul Theakston, part of the Theakston brewing dynasty and the founder of Black Sheep brewery, said: "Many discerning male drinkers have a nose for wine and ale, choosing to drink both rather than favouring one over another.

"Sales from our network of pubs and supermarkets throughout the UK show that beer and ale will always remain a tipple of choice as will wine, despite what the French wine makers are claiming.

"Many consumers have a discerning palate, choosing to start their evening out with an ale packed full of interesting malt and hop flavours, before diving into a chilled bottle of oak fumed Chardonnay. While for many, a full bodied ale with fruity overtones marries perfectly with a rich, aromatic red wine.

"There is as much of a movement towards good local British pubs as there is towards trendy continental style wine bars, where patrons can quench their thirst with either a pint or wine glass in their hand. The rise to fame of the gastro pub is testimony to this and illustrates the country's current passion for local, British produce."

According to a recent report funded by a variety of brewers and key figurehead organisations — called The Intelligent Choice, the True State of the Market for Cask Ale in 2007 — the industry is thriving, with many regional and local brewers such as Black Sheep seeing strong growth.

Annabel Smith, national account manager for Cask Marque, an independent accreditation scheme that recognises excellence in the service of cask ale, said: "The cask ale market is thriving and is now worth around £1.4 billion a year. Sales from regional and local breweries are increasing an average of 7.5% year on year and this trend is set to continue, which is great news for the industry and all dedicated ale drinkers."

The Black Sheep brewery was named the Good Pub Guide's brewery of the year for the second year running and its famous Black Sheep Best Bitter was voted top tipple in the North East in the Best of British Beer Awards, organised by Cask Marque. It was also the first brewery in the North of England to receive the industry quality hallmark the Cask Marque Distribution Charter Award for achieving the highest standards for storing, transporting and delivering cask beer, enabling pubs to serve the perfect pint.

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