Teutonic tone

DANIEL THWAITES: Britain's sixth-biggest brewer, Daniel Thwaites, contract brews and packages lager for a wide variety of customers. But it is also forging exciting new business with two German brewers, Warsteiner and Kaltenberg, to provide pubs with extra choice. Thwaites is distributing premium-strength Warsteiner under licence to its own 450-strong pub estate and national network of free-trade accounts. Last autumn, Thwaites concluded a contract with Kaltenberg for an exclusive brewing and UK supply deal for the Bavarian beer. Sales director Brian Jenkins comments: "The Warsteiner and Kaltenberg deals are part of a wider strategy that will see Thwaites brew or control brands in every sector of the beer market." Volumes of Warsteiner now passing through Thwaites' Blackburn brewery have already soared past the 20,000 barrel mark, while sales of Kaltenberg Royal lager beer have set off at an impressive rate since the brand's UK relaunch five months ago. Brands: Warsteiner, Kaltenberg Royal