Brewery signs deal with major supermarkets

Beers brewed in Lerwick will soon be available across Scotland after a deal was signed with two supermarket chains.

Lerwick Brewery’s 60° North lager and Skipper’s Ticket pale ale in 43 of Asda’s stores across the mainland, while Lerwick IPA will be stocked by as many as 120 Co-op shops all over Scotland.

The beers had been available through the local Tesco and Co-op branches but the new deal is a major development for the brewery and will mean production in Lerwick has been ramped up. The brewery has also had to deal with the challenge of a shortage in hop production.

Lerwick Brewery’s head brewer Rhanna Turberville said: ““We’re delighted both Asda and Co-op have chosen us to be part of their new Scottish Craft Beer range. We’re very proud to be representing the high-quality products Shetland is producing, so the fact our beers are now easily accessible to a large consumer group is fantastic.

“This is a key part of our increased expansion across the Scottish market both on and off trade.”

As well as their expansion on the mainland, the brewery’s presence in Shetland is also increasing with 60° North permanently on tap at Busta House, as well as regularly featuring in bars such as Scalloway Hotel, Fjara, Lerwick Boating Club, the Masonic Lodge and Flint’s.

The bottles can be found in shops, hotels, restaurants and bars throughout the island too.

Jon Pulley, assistant brewer said “While expanding our customer base throughout Scotland, the UK and further afield is vital to our development, we are still very focused on our home market and love working with local businesses to promote Shetland produce to both tourists and residents alike”

Lerwick Brewery’s product range now includes five different beers.

The deal with Asda involves 13 breweries and has a contract value totaling £850,000. It came about following negotiations with an organisation called Craft Beer Clan.

Asda worked closely with the Craft Beer Clan, to secure what is described as a range of flavoursome unique beers. The final selection of beers was also made to ensure a strong geographical spread from all regions across Scotland.