Batemans beer sales up 5% in 2009

Batemans, the Lincolnshire based independent brewer and retailer, has enjoyed record beer sales during 2009.

The brewery benefited from a 5% increase in its beer trade, distributing over 40,000 barrels through its own retail estate as well as through supermarkets, national drinks distributors and other leading wholesalers.

Managing director Stuart Bateman said: "I believe that one of the keys to our success is that we have better and more innovative licensees today than we have ever had before.

"Also our customers and suppliers tell the team that they like dealing with us, rather than a faceless corporate.

"We have increased our training levels through both the Brewery and the pubs and we believe that our licensees feel very well supported - we also happen to brew great tasting beer.

"We certainly must be doing something right as we won major industry accolades for our Brewery, beer and our pubs during 2009."

Batemans beers are now available in 14 markets including; Australia, Brazil, Channel Islands, Cyprus, Denmark, France, Finland, Ireland, North America, Norway, Russia, Scandinavia, South Africa and Spain.

Its Christmas ale, Rosey Nosey, had another bumper year in 2009, performing exceptionally well through major multiples and selected independents.

Unusually, all Batemans bottled beers are entirely vegetarian and vegan friendly.