May 4, 2016

Waitrose pushes Scottish craft

Customers in Scotland will benefit from the company’s decision to increase the number of breweries it works with from 13 to 21.

In addition, Waitrose has also expanded its relationship with existing suppliers, which brings the number of Scottish beers, ales and lagers available to more than 90.

Twelve of the new beers on offer are exclusive to Waitrose. These include three from Fallen Brewing in Stirlingshire, and the Blonde and Wolf Dark bottles from Lossiemouth-based Windswept Brewing.

The signature bottle Seggie Mill from Eden Mill brewery in St Andrews and the Black Cork from Knops Beer Company in East Lothian are also exclusives.

Waitrose is also the only supermarket to stock Skye Yer Ben, which is pitched as a smooth collaboration between celebrity chef Tom Kitchin and Isle of Skye Brewing.

Oliver O’Mara, local and regional buyer for Waitrose, said the new beers are the culmination of the “biggest regional beer hunt Waitrose has ever undertaken” and is indicative of how seriously the company is taking the craft beer movement in Scotland.

He added: “The Scottish brewing scene is at the forefront of innovation in the UK, such as the Goldfinch by Black Isle, a gluten free and organic beer which is now available in all our Scottish branches.”

Kate Prall, beer buyer for Waitrose added: “We now have one of the biggest selections of craft beer and ales, which I think will make Waitrose a real destination for lovers of these drinks.

“We sampled around 140 beers and I was really impressed with the quality; we were quite spoilt for choice.

“Scottish craft beers can really hold their own against the UK national ranges. It’s clear that the brewers are passionate and have a real love for their craft, which makes for great tasting beer.”

Waitrose stocks beer from 21 breweries. These include:

Fallen Brewing, Stirlingshire

Windswept Brewing, Lossiemouth

Eden Mill Distillery and Brewery, St Andrews

Knops Beer Company, East Lothian

Barneys Beer, Edinburgh

Fyne Ales, Cairndow, Argyll

Tempest Brewing

Alechemy Brewing, Livingston

Broughton Brewery, Biggar

Traquair House Brewery, Peebleshire

Isle of Skye Brewing