ScotCo aims for revolution

by The PMA Team Scottish Courage believes it will eradicate the problem of poor quality in the draught lager sector with the £10m roll-out of its revolutionary new Head Injection Tap (HIT) dispense system across its Foster's, Kronenbourg 1664 and Miller brands. The company, which claims the system is "the most significant innovation in beer dispense the industry has ever seen" and the "biggest thing in beer since the widget", has already installed 33,000 of the new taps since July last year ­ a further 170,000 will follow in the coming year. Stuart Catchpole, innovation director at Scottish Courage, said: "The draught market has declined by six million barrels in the last 10 years ­ in lost sales that equates to more than 4.7 million barrels a day. "Inconsistent product quality and presentation are undoubtedly key drivers behind the decline ­ with warm, flat, unappetising beer alienating consumers. "Scottish Courage's unique solution to the problem is the HIT dispense system with O-Ring cooling which ensures the perfect pint every time ­ a cold, refreshing pint with all the CO2 locked in." The brewer claims that the HIT system is delivering increased sales to licensees who have it installed ­ an extra 10% in Foster's volume on average because of the improved drinking experience ­ but also a 2% saving in fobbing and wastage. Scottish Courage is supporting the introduction of the HIT dispense system through a number of trade and consumer initiatives, including a bar-staff training programme backed by a mystery drinker promotion which rewards the correct use of the tap. Branded glasses are being introduced to enhance presentation. Added Catchpole: "HIT is not just another new tap. It revolutionises the art of pouring a perfect pint and, as such, it calls for a cultural change. "We are under no illusions about the scale of the task we face in mobilising bar staff but are delighted with the progress we have made in this area to date.