Boost for small brewers as Unique agrees supply deal

Cask ale has been given a massive boost following a new agreement between Unique Pub Company and the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA).​

SIBA and Unique have thrashed out a new cask ale supply scheme which gives small brewers access to over 4,000 pubs in the Unique estate.

Licensees can now call Unique's SupplyLine and order any product from a local SIBA member and it will be delivered direct to the pub.

According to a Unique spokeswoman the company entered into the scheme in order to make improvements to the previous Cask Ale Club that SupplyLine operated in conjunction with SIBA. "We can now offer SIBA brewers a fair chance to sell their products into pub company estates," she said. "Nearly 300 products will be available from 100 different brewers."

The fact that one of the UK's biggest pub companies has made such a major investment is a shot in the arm for cask ale.

SIBA member David Maggs of West Berkshire Brewery in Yattendon, Berkshire, said: "This is brilliant news. We now have the chance to sell our products to 170 more pubs in our catchment area."

Mike Benner, director of communications for the Campaign for Real Ale, said: "This is a step forward on the road to a more open market for small brewers. Let's hope other large pubcos realise the benefits to them and their licensees of providing a more interesting choice."

However, Mike Bell, licensee of Portobello Gold in Notting Hill, London, believes this move will help rural pubs more than those in London.

"In London tastes have got more eclectic," he said. "Our customers have more interest in beers like Leffe and bigger regional brands like Spitfire."

Pictured: Unique's Graham Turner (left) with SIBA's Nick Stafford.​