Respected beer writer Sophie Atherton - Britain’s first female beer sommelier - has been passed the authorship baton by Pete Brown and is charged with delivering an authoritative analysis of the cask ale market.
The Cask Report has developed significantly from the relatively small passion-project of a few notable brewers, to something much more significant. Cask ale is forecast to hit 20% of on-trade beer by 2020 and is outperforming the wider beer market.
Paul Nunny, chair of the Cask Matters Group, which commissions the annual report, said: "The report has become the industry’s main reference document on trends in the ale market. It’s being increasingly used by breweries, brand owners and pub companies to inform strategy. Licensees are also using it to review their offers on the bar. It has also become a valuable source of information for journalists and commentators.
"We’re delighted to have secured Sophie’s support in taking the project forward. Alongside her journalism credentials, writing skills and beer knowledge, she will bring a fresh perspective and a different way of communicating things."
'Opportunities'
The Cask Report will feature exclusive new research and be published in September to mark the start of Cask Ale Week.
Atherton said: "It’s an exciting, but also challenging, time for cask beer, and the report will reflect that. This year's research is set to provide valuable insights for companies and individuals involved both in selling - but also making - cask beer.
"Despite the new author, what won't change is the combination of evidence combined with concise, relevant commentary to support brewers and licensees in avoiding pitfalls and maximising opportunities - and hopefully we can all drink to that."