Cask Marque awareness grows among pub-goers

The region with the most awareness of Cask Marque among pub-goers is the West Midlands at 75%, followed by the South West (68%) and Yorkshire and Humberside (65%). The lowest awareness was in Scotland at 40%.

Consumer awareness has a significant effect on footfall in pubs; a survey of publicans undertaken last year found that 88% of Cask Marque licensees have seen an increase in cask ale sales since accreditation. An overwhelming 98% would recommend the scheme to other licensees.

Cask Marque director Paul Nunny said: “It is particularly pleasing that our licensees through the survey have stated that the accreditation increases cask ale sales. We are all in a commercial world and today quality is a key component of retailing success.”

Miles Selby, head of purchasing at Stonegate Pub Company, said “As the popularity of cask ale continues to grow within our estate it is important to have a badge of quality that consumers can recognise and trust.

"Over 85% of the Stonegate cask ale houses have Cask Marque accreditation and the performance of cask can be partly attributed to the award. When an assessor visits from Cask Marque, as well as checking beer quality, they also undertake a cellar audit, ensuring that all elements in the serving and dispensing of cask ale are checked and verified”

There are more than 8,300 pubs accredited with the Cask Marque award. To gain the award, the pub must pass two unannounced inspections by a qualified assessor, who will check each cask ale on sale for temperature, appearance aroma and taste.