Saltaire hoped to use the exporters’ ten years of experience to help build its brand internationally. It is the first brand to be brought on board by Sovereign in the past 18 months, joining the likes of Marston’s Brewery, Greene King and Robinsons.
Sovereign will be driving the international distribution of Saltaire’s core 500ml bottled range, including Blonde, Unity and South Island, and its latest 330ml bottle line. The deal will also focus on exporting the brewery’s keg range.
‘Exciting chapter’ for the business
Commenting on the deal, Saltaire’s sales and logistics director Nick Helliwell said: “After our recent rebrand, this is another very exciting chapter for us.
“We’re dedicated to exploring all export opportunities and it’s brilliant that Sovereign can see our overseas potential too, bringing us on board alongside other reputable and credible breweries.”
Sovereign’s operations director Morgan Holden said the company had been following Saltaire’s journey closely for some time.
Growing interest
“We’re very proud to be representing such a passionate brewery which is truly committed to creating only the very best, high-quality beer. We’ve already had great interest from Europe, Eastern Europe and the Far East, so we’re really looking forward to seeing how far and wide we can get the Saltaire name.”
Formed in 2005 by owner Tony Gartland, Shipley-based Saltaire has been producing beers since 2006. It produces 56,000 litres of beer each week, delivering all over the UK, including Yorkshire, the north west, the north east and Cumbria.
Meanwhile, meat, dairy and alcohol helped drive UK food and drink exports to £10.6bn for the first half of the year, with the US, China and Hong Kong the main recipients.