Co-op has boosted its craft beer offering after securing partnerships with UK breweries in a bid to provide a unique and cutting-edge range of beers to its members and customers.  

The convenience retailer’s range now features exclusive beer offerings from seven independent craft breweries, which are available across Co-op stores nationwide marking a first national retail partnership for many of the brewers. Further new and exclusive lines have also been added across Co-op’s own-label and branded range.  

The beers from the independent craft breweries including Lakes Brew Co, Polly’s, Vault City, Full Circle Brew Co and Boundary Brewing – a co-operative brewery from Belfast which recently celebrated its 10th birthday, will be exclusively available to Co-op stores, and will rotate and change throughout the year enabling shoppers the opportunity to discover fresh brews and new styles.

Andrew Birdsey, Co-op’s beer buyer said: “Craft beer continues to do well at Co-op, and alongside the established brands we work with, we’re thrilled to be able to partner with some of the UK’s most exciting independent craft breweries to bring their expertise and brewing credentials to our stores for our members and customers to discover.”

The retailer has also collaborated with Fyne Ales and Robinsons to launch a brand new own-label offer – Co-op’s Munro Pale Ale. This new limited-edition pale ale, an interpretation of a Mountain IPA style, fusing modern East and West coast US Hop varieties (expect bursts of citrus and tropical fruit aromas, with a clean and refreshing finish), which will be in stores throughout the summer before changing to a winter style later in the year. 

Two other new own-brand lines will join the range as part of the changes – Co-op Fairtrade IPA and Co-op Best Bitter, alongside exclusive listings such as Fruit Burst by craft beer mega brand Brewdog and a Toast Collaboration series – the first, a collaboration between Toast Brewing and Welsh craft brewer Tiny Rebel brewed from surplus bakery bread.