[A] growing Cumbrian brewery is celebrating after closing a deal with a national retail chain.
Penrith’s Eden Brewery is to sell a range of beers in 18 Co-op stores across Cumbria starting this summer.
The brewery’s Eden Gold, Eden Best, First Emperor, Thunderbolt, Dynamite and Depth Charge will be on sale as part of the Co-op’s local range.
It is the latest positive development for Eden, which moved its operation into larger premises in Penrith in May in order to be able to increase production and meet growing demand.
Jason Hill, the brewery’s managing director, said the listing with the Co-op was an important step in helping grow the brewery’s profile.
In March, Mr Hill visited Japan on a trade mission to explore export opportunities in the country. The brewery also has ambitions to begin national distribution of its beer within the next year.
Mr Hill said: “Our mission during 2017 is to grow the capacity of the brewery to bring more great beer to more people across the world. We know there is a huge community of smart drinkers out there who are demanding better beer. We are keen to connect with them in any way we can.
“The listing in the Co-op is one part of this overall picture. There are Co-op stores all over the county and we are glad that more and more people across Cumbria are going to be able to buy and drink our beer.
“Over the coming months we are going to be working hard on pursuing other routes to market to expand our reach beyond Cumbria and the UK.”
The Co-op has committed to doubling the number of its smaller suppliers and to provide opportunities to champion, showcase and celebrate locally sourced produce.
Charlotte Bleasdale, ranging manager for the Co-op in Cumbria, said: “It’s exciting to collaborate with breweries such as Eden – it is the innovation, quality, traditions and passion which make these prized local products and we are delighted to give them pride of place in our stores.
“We know that food provenance really matters to our customers. Quality and trust are key for consumers. Backing local produce is about much more than just ‘hanging out the bunting’ and the Co-op is committed to investing in its local communities and providing opportunities to showcase and celebrate great local food and drink.”
