Shepherd Neame beers launched in Italy

February 8, 2006: Shepherd Neame is set to make inroads into the Italian beer market, thanks to a deal with a local independent distributor, San Geminiano.

This means Italy will get a taste of Kent Ale, Spitfire and 1698 on draught and in bottles, with bottles of Bishops Finger also available.

Shepherd Neame chief executive Jonathan Neame said: "This expansion into the Italian market is significant for Shepherd Neame's export business, both in terms of its size and because it shows there's a market for English beers with a distinctive style and provenance."

The beers were launched at the Rimini Beer Festival - Europe's second largest beer festival - this week.