Highland breweries have helped a major supermarket chain more than double its craft beer and premium bottled ale sales in Scotland in just three months.
Figures from Waitrose also revealed sales of craft brewery products at its Scottish stores are growing six times faster than those in the rest of the UK.
Among the north businesses supplying the chain’s seven Central Belt stores is Aviemore-based Cairngorm Brewery. Sales of their products there increased by 30% in the same period.
Yesterday Cairngorm Brewery managing director, Sam Faircliff, said: “Waitrose was the first multiple that we managed to get our products into more than 10 years ago.
“I see it as one of the prestige chains and we are delighted with the growing success of our sales. We have had a good long-term relationship with them and it’s good for us to have coverage in the areas where they have their Scottish stores.
“We also supply a number of other supermarkets and, in general, our sales are going from strength to strength.”
In may Waitrose increased the number of Scottish breweries it works with in to 24, doubling the number of craft beers, lagers and ales it offers.
Among the north businesses supplying its stores are the Black Isle Brewery, Isle of Skye Brewing and Lossiemouth-based Windswept Brewing.
Waitrose local and regional buyer, Oliver O’Mara said, “There are no guarantees that by doubling the number of products available you will simply double sales, but that is exactly what has happened – the demand has been phenomenal.
“Our partnership with Food and Drink Hub Scotland and the continued support of Scotland Food and Drink has enabled us to put together one of the biggest selections of craft beer and ales of any supermarket.
“Scottish breweries are making some of the best craft beers in the UK and continue to push the boundaries of innovative new styles.”
