Carlsberg secures Welsh deal with Evan-Evans

Carlsberg is to offer beers from Welsh brewer Evan-Evans to its thousands of freetrade customers in Wales.

Carlsberg has been working with the Llandeilo brewer, whose brands include BB, Warrior and Cwrw, to create a portfolio of specialist ales including the first organic cask conditioned beer - Evan-Evans Organic Gold.

Evan-Evans, led by chief executive Simon Buckley, recently announced a 28% increase in sales on last year fuelled by a deal with JD Wetherspoon and a contract brewing deal with Marston's.

Buckley is a member of one of the oldest brewing families in Wales and former managing director of the Tomos Watkin Brewery which went into liquidation in 2002.

"Our customers now want indigenous Welsh brands brewed in Wales, brands with a rich heritage, and of the very highest quality," said Carlsberg sales director Rob Sandall. "Tourists, when visiting Wales, want to drink Welsh beer.

"No other national or regional brewer in Wales now offers a better selection of Welsh seasonal rotational beers than Carlsberg UK. These brands are unique to us. This is an important step forward for Carlsberg UK as a company, and shows our commitment to the Welsh market."

Evan-Evans chief executive, Simon Buckley, added: "Welshmen and women want to drink Welsh ales, with heritage and longevity, and the tourists want to have the opportunity to drink beers brewed by the specialist brewers in Wales."