Matthew Clark expands 'boutique' craft beer range for 2017

The Conviviality PLC-owned distributor has expanded its premium offering by 100 listings, bringing the total number of beers in its boutique range to 270.

Matthew Clark category manager for beer Justin Wylde said: “Now, more than ever, we’re seeing customers demand a choice of beers wherever they go, whether that’s for Spanish beers in a tapas restaurant, or local beers in every local pub.

“Customers are interested in learning about different styles of beer, so we want to make it easy for operators to provide a range of options.”

Rise in lager sales​

This comes as Matthew Clark reported a 107% rise in total lager sales, with speciality draught lager sales up 60.3%, global draught lager up 24% and global packaged lager up 14.9%.

It also noted increasing demand for IPAs, pale ales and niche styles such as gose beer, with lower ABV percentages and sour flavours.

Listings from breweries such as Sierra Nevada, Wild Beer Co and Leeds-based North Brewing Co, which was named Best Brewing Pub Company at the recent Publican Awards, would help the company respond to that demand, it said.

New breweries​

Ten new UK breweries achieved listings, including Two Tribes, Tiny Rebel and Bellfield breweries.

International additions include New Zealand’s Yeastie Boys and North Caronlina’s Lonerider breweries.