Yorkshire-brewer Acorn Brewery has shipped £10,000 worth of its real ales – including 1,000 pints of its “prized” Barnsley Bitter – to an Italian wholesaler.
The export order represents the independent brewery’s first international sale and builds on its growing trade in the UK market, which now sees it supply to Asda, Tesco, Waitrose, Sainsbury and Morrisons .
Acorn Brewery owner David Hughes said: “It is fantastic to think that Italian beer drinkers will soon be able to enjoy Barnsley Bitter as it will be distributed to bars, shops and restaurants across the north of the country.
‘Explore oversees market’
“We are delighted to secure our first big export order and plan to explore the overseas market further.”
The firm invested in new equipment last year to help it increase production of bottled beers by 20% and introduce keg beers to its range.
The firm’s Barnsley Gold, Yorkshire Pride, Old Moor Porter and Gorlovka beers were also included in the order.
Meanwhile, its Old No 7 pub was voted Campaign for Real Ale Yorkshire pub of the year for 2013.