North-west independent, Daniel Thwaites, has sealed a major brewing contract and supply deal with one of Germany's oldest and best-known brewers, Kaltenberg.
Kaltenberg is to be brewed at Thwaites' Star Brewery from this autumn for supply into the company's 450-strong tied pub estate and nationwide network of freetrade accounts.
The deal builds on the enormous success of a previous German deal with Warsteinerpremium lager and now sees Kaltenberg added to the Thwaites portfolio in the standard lager range.
The beer will be brewed in Blackburn under the strict Bavarian Purity Laws and will be available to the trade later this month.
Thwaites has linked with Kaltenberg, the world-famous Bavarian Brewery, which is still under the control of Prince Luitpold of Bavaria, whose family have been brewing in Bavaria for the past 700 years.
Paul Winter, marketing director for Thwaites, said " We arere-enforcing our commitment to brewing and providing all our customers with a superb range of products.
"As globalisation in the brewing industry continues, I know there will be a place for forward-thinking regionals with strong brands.
"The addition of Kaltenberg means that whatever sector of the draught market may grow in the future, we have products within that sector to meet the challenge".
The launch nights are taking place this week at the Blackpool Pleasure Beach proceeded by detailed briefings for everyone within the company.
Prince Luitpold will be attending the launch nights and has said: "I am delighted to be linking with Thwaites as new partners for the UK.
We have the same ideals in business and our passion for quality and tradition in all we do will doubtless prove to be a winning partnership.
l Kaltenberg will also be available in 500cl cans for the off-trade from November and discussions are already under way for both national and regional listings.