Over 19 breweries have now signed up to be partners of Craft Beer Clan of Scotland. The company was launched last year by Glasgow-based food and drink wholesaler JW Filshill to help Scottish craft brewers penetrate key markets initially in the Asia Pacific region. The company is also focussing on growing the domestic markets.
Targeting a £2.5m annual turnover within five years, Craft Beer Clan is exporting to burgeoning markets in the Asia Pacific region and beyond. “We have brought together these amazing craft breweries whose owners are extremely forward-thinking and recognise that we have the experience and well-connected partners in key exports markets,” said the company’s Chris Miller (pictured, above left, with Paul Miller, owner of Eden Brewery), Head of Export and Commercial Operations at JW Filshill International. “Our strategy has been to identify an opportunity to target consumers who already love and buy Scotch whisky but want to try something new with a great story behind it – and that’s what these breweries and their brands have.”
Isla Mercer, Sales and Marketing Manager of Lerwick Brewery, said: “While they’ve been helping us build sales on the Scottish mainland and in the north of England, we’re also working with Chris to identify export opportunities – that’s something we’re particularly excited about. We really want to get the message out there – both at home and overseas – that Scotland has a vibrant craft and artisan beer market.”
Joining the initial four members of Craft Beer Clan – William Bros Brewing Company, based in Alloa; Eden Brewery of St Andrews; Perth-based Inveralmond Brewery; and the Deeside Brewery, Banchory – are the high-profile Glasgow-based West and Drygate breweries, Edinburgh’s Caledonian Brewery, Loch Ness Brewery, Lerwick Brewery and Speyside Craft Brewery.
Other brewers which have joined the Clan include Black Wolf Brewery, Brewmeister, Broughton Ales, Fyne Ales, Jaw Brew, Knops Beer Company, Loch Lomond Brewery, Stewart Brewing and Tennent Caledonian.
