Cask Marque launches new brewery accreditation scheme

Cask Marque has launched a brewery accreditation scheme for regional and local breweries to demonstrate to buyers their commitment to quality, consistency and legality.

The development of the scheme has taken over two years and trials have been undertaken with brewers Wye Valley, Titanic, Sambrooks and more recently with Meantime, Langham, Windsor Castle and West Berkshire breweries. 

Cask Marque has chosen SALSA to be the accreditation body due to its experience of running similar schemes for the smaller food producers.

Cask Marque has also called on the expertise of managed pubco Mitchells & Butlers – and its audits of over 40 breweries – which will represent the on-trade on the scheme’s steering group while Waitrose represents the off-trade.

Paul Nunny, Cask Marque director, said: "There was no brewery accreditation scheme for the small and micro producer – which has now been addressed. The SALSA plus Beer option will contribute to ensuring the long‐term success, reputation and sustainability of this rapidly growing sector."

The development is part of Cask Marque's 'Grain to Glass' initiative to improve quality which covers breweries, supply chain management, cellars and beer in the glass.