Brewer cheers record festive sales
LANCASHIRE brewer Moorhouse’s lifted the gloom surrounding the sector as it announced record festive sales.
Despite the spending slowdown, the smoking ban, controversial hikes in tax on beer and competition from the supermarkets, the Burnley company said trading volumes in December leapt 18% to 1,330 barrels and turnover by 20%.
The privately-owned company, which is set to start a £3.5m expansion plan that will treble capacity at the brewery, says the quality of its ales and a TV advertising campaign were behind its strong performance.
Managing director David Grant said: “This year pubs faced the impact of the economic crisis and the festive season was particularly challenging. But our experience indicates that quality cask ale still sells well, despite the downturn and declining beer and lager sales overall.
“For the second year our TV campaign captured the attention of both free trade licensees and discerning cask ale drinkers alike to stimulate demand and support the terrific efforts of the sales team.
“We achieved these record figures without a national pub chain account and they are a real tribute to the dedication of the brewery team right through the season. This is particularly good news as we are poised to cut the first sod on our new brewery scheme which will firmly place Moorhouse’s as a leading regional brewer.”
The historic company has won a number of awards for its beers including Black Cat, Pendle Witches Brew and Blond Witch and the international championship winning Pride of Pendle and Premier Bitter.
