CMBC secures 'momentous' 10-year agreement with Stonegate

17-Oct-2023 - Last updated on 18-Oct-2023 at 08:35 GMT

Momentous agreement: CMBC secures ten-year partnership with Stonegate Group (Credit: Getty/Jack Andersen)

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Carlsberg Marston’s Brewing Company (CMBC) has announced a new 10-year partnership with the UK’s largest pub company.

Starting in Spring 2024, the agreement will see an increased presence of CMBC’s brands, including Brooklyn Pilsner and Birrificio Angelo Poretti, across Stonegate Group’s pub estate.

In addition, CMBC will also become the group’s new logistics partner, managing all keg and cask deliveries to the pubco’s managed sites.

Extremely proud

CMBC CEO Paul Davies said: “This is a momentous agreement for both CMBC and Stonegate Group, securing a long-term partnership to deliver a range of our fantastic beer brands into thousands of Stonegate Group’s excellent pubs. We are extremely proud to become Stonegate Group’s lead logistics partner and our entire logistics team are excited to work closely with them over the coming years to ensure we deliver a fantastic experience to landlords and drinkers across the country.

“As our brands continue to grow and attract new fans, this agreement is a huge opportunity for more drinkers at Stonegate pubs to discover the fantastic beers in our portfolio like Brooklyn Pilsner, Poretti and Kronenbourg 1664.

“In becoming Stonegate’s lead logistics partner, from next Spring CMBC will manage all keg and cask deliveries for Stonegate’s managed estate. It speaks volumes to the quality and level of service we deliver as the number one in-house logistics network for the UK on-trade – made possible through the dedication and continued hard work of our amazing team.”

Aiding a smooth logistical transition, the partnership will see 29 new vehicles added to the company’s fleet, as well as investment in capacity at a number of depots nationally.

Moreover, the move is expected to create around 100 new jobs within logistics, including in distribution and warehousing.

Ensuring availability

Earlier this year CMBC also secured a deal with Heineken UK to acquire the UK distribution rights for French beer brand Kronenbourg while last month saw the firm’s Wychwood Brewery site, known for brands such as Hob Goblin, confirmed for closure from November.

Formed in 2010, Stonegate Group are the UK’s largest pub group, operating 4,500 sites across the country, including chains such as Slug & Lettuce, Social Pub & Kitchen, Be at One and Craft Union.

Stonegate Group chief commercial officer Melissa Wisdom said: “We are excited to add CMBC premium beers to our range for our guests to enjoy and look forward to working with them to provide an excellent logistics service to our pubs, ensuring availability of products for our guests.”