Indie Beer Week, which began on 10 April and runs until 19 April, is the second time the Society of Independent Brewers & Associates (SIBA) has run the scheme, which calls for beer drinkers nationwide to choose independent when at the bar.
Woodforde’s brewing manager Bruce Ash said: “Any efforts to support the independent brewing industry and our pub partners are always welcome.
“When the pubs do well, we do well – and those effects are felt in the communities in which we operate, too. The importance of our relationships can’t be overstated.
“When you buy independent, you aren’t just getting a quality, authentic pint with a real story behind it, you’re supporting local businesses, protecting pubs and championing sustainability.
Real ale desert
“That’s especially true for us as the Taste of Norfolk, with our ales brewed by local people using local ingredients like our county’s globally renowned Norfolk malt.”
Woodforde’s story as an independent brewer began in 1981, when the growth of national powerhouses like the now defunct Watney’s saw Norfolk become a real ale desert with established local names unable to compete.
The brewery’s range includes flagship beers Wherry and Nog plus Nelson’s Revenge bitter, Albion cream stout, Bure Gold, Hazy IPA 4.5% ABV and Volt 0.5% American IPA.
Ash joined the business as a teenager in the 1980s, rising through the ranks from cask cleaner as the brewery continued to make a name for itself both regionally and nationally.
Economic boost
He added the awareness week also has the potential to provide a much-needed economic boost to both independent brewers and pubs.
He added: “It’s no secret the industry, as a whole, is navigating choppy waters, whether that’s uncertain economic conditions, increased beer duty or the general decline in people visiting their local.
“While we are in a good position here at Woodforde’s, the pressures the brewing industry faces are felt by both those making and pouring the pints.
“It is therefore so important that we are unified in our efforts to support one another – and Indie Beer Week is a great example of that in action.”
