Shepherd Neame joins Cask Marque

Kent brewer Shepherd Neame has joined beer quality monitoring scheme Cask Marque.

The brewer said that being part of the scheme would send out a key message that it was passionate about beer quality.

Cask Marque will now use Shepherd Neame, which is the 31st corporate member of the scheme, as one of its national training venues. Cask Marque audits both pub cellars and distribution centres to accredit the quality and handling of beer.

"The brewery can champion beer quality locally but as our cask ale brands, Spitfire and Bishops Finger, are available nationally it is important that we use Cask Marque as part of our support package to ensure that our beer is always served in the best possible condition," said sales and marketing director Graeme Craig.

"We are also very keen to join in some of the current Cask Marque initiatives which include Cask Ale Week planned for Easter 2009 and to champion the Distributor Charter which covers the handling of beer in the supply chain."

Cask Marque director Paul Nunny added: "The enthusiasm for cask ale within the industry is now being reflected by the actions being taken by some of the key players and the investment being made in cellar management trading.

"Currently Cask Marque are running 30 cellar management training courses a month and accreditations in 2007 were up 17% and in the year to date are running at 22%. With cask ale being unique to the British pub and not available in take home, like food it is seen to be an area that can be developed and act as a Unique Selling Point to attract new customers."