Enterprise removes Carlsberg and XXXX
An Enterprise licensee has criticised the company for its decision to stop supplying Carlsberg and Castlemaine XXXX in draught to tenants from 31 January.
Licensee Grant Hollier said the decision is "at the very least extremely foolish" and threatened to buy outside the tie if a substitute can't be found.
Enterprise said it is "no longer viable" to offer Carlsberg draught or XXXX because "the number of stockists and volumes have fallen to such a low level".
"Consumers and retailers have moved away from these brands over the last few years," said the pubco in a letter to tenants.
The letter points to "significant changes" in the standard lager market", with the rise of 'super-chilled' brands and 'premium standard' products like Becks Vier and Amstel.
"This is one of the few drinks categories that are in growth in our challenging market place.
"These new brands offer the opportunity to grow not only sales, but provide more choice for your customers and the potential to increase your margins by charging more than brands such as Carling and Foster's."
In an email to the pubco, Hollier said Carlsberg makes up 33% of his draught sales.
"If I am not able to provide this product many of my customers will go elsewhere — several public houses in the immediate area stock Carlsberg draught lager. In the current climate, as I am sure you will agree, the removal of Carlsberg would be at the very least extremely foolish.
"Therefore I would like you to supply me with the exact equivalent to Carlsberg draught lager 3.8% abv. I would also like you to supply me with the exact similar equivalent point-of-sale.
"If you fail to supply the above I will have no alternative but to source Carlsberg Draught lager elsewhere," said the licensee of the Plough & Harrow in Harpenden, Hertfordshire.
The letter says Stella Artois 4% will be available for the first time.
Licensees who buy at least 25 x 11 gallon kegs of either that brand or Beck's Vier will get £250 of business support from InBev.
