Greene King and AB InBev announce Goose Island supply deal

The deal will give Greene King exclusive rights to distribute the Goose Island portfolio, which includes Goose Island Indian Pale Ale, Goose Island Honkers Ale and award-winning 312 Urban Wheat, to the on and off-trade in England and Wales.

Goose Island is a US craft beer company that was started in 1988 in Chicago, Illinois. The range has been available in bottles but this will be the first time in the UK it is available in kegs in the on-trade.

Portfolio​

Chris Houlton, managing director for Greene King Brewing & Brands, said: “It is an exciting time for beer as the craft market continues to grow, and we know that more than half of all beer drinkers say they are keen to see more of these products. We launched our own craft brewery last November and adding an original US craft beer now will complement our successful portfolio.

"Goose Island is a leader in the craft of brewing and we are looking forward to offering its range to our customers.”

Iain Newell, on-trade and route to market director for AB InBev UK, said: “The Goose Island brand has excellent potential to perform well in this category due to its great taste, range and heritage. We look forward to this new partnership building on all the good work James Clay has put in to establishing Goose Island’s presence in the UK.”

Ambitious​

Houlton said: “Goose Island is in excellent growth and last year alone sales increased by 62%, in the US. The partnership between Greene King, Goose Island and AB InBev will see ambitious plans for growth of the brand in the UK through up weighted support for the trade, including draught for the first time in the UK, initially through our own pubs.”

Under the terms of the deal James Clay, who has previously imported Goose Island, will continue to supply certain specialist on-trade customers.