Marston’s is primary supplier of beer to Brakspear pubs
The contract will start from 1 November and will be rolled out across all 130 Brakspear pubs, which will now have full access to all Marston’s brands. This includes the Charles Wells portfolio, following the brewer’s and pubco’s acquisition of the company earlier this year.
Marston’s has worked with Brakspear for some years, brewing the pubco’s beers Oxford Gold and Brakspear Bitter under licence since 2002.
The Burton-on-Trent brewer has also recently updated its logistics technology as part of its proposal to distribute for Brakspear, which is claimed to allow the efficient supply of a range of brands to suit each pub.
“The move gives Brakspear licensees access to one of the best drinks portfolios in the industry and a choice of quality British ales and beers, as well as a range of international beers,” said Marston’s in a statement.
‘Official drinks supply partner’
Dave Saunders, head of national sales at Marston’s Beer Company, said: “We have enjoyed working with Brakspear for a number of years, so to become their official drinks supply partner for all product categories demonstrates the trust and shared vision between our two businesses.
“We are hugely excited and committed to making this partnership a great success for Brakspear and their licensees.”
The move was described as “very positive” by Brakspear chief executive Tom Davies, who added that it would extend the two companies’ relationship, which had been built on cask ale.
“For our licensees, the main benefit will be that all their drinks will come from one single supplier, making it easier for them to accommodate deliveries and liaise with one point of contact,” Davies added. “They will also be able to choose from an extended range of products.”
Meanwhile, it is feared industrial action from logistics firm DHL Tradeteam could disrupt or halt Christmas deliveries of Carlsberg and other drinks from firms, such as Brains, Coors and Greene King.
Carlsberg recently announced plans to dismantle its distribution business as the company aimed to focus on brewing.
As a result, pubcos such as Punch had to change their distributors, with some partnering with Heineken’s Star Pubs & Bars KNDL model and others moving to Marston’s or other logistics firms.
Enfield depot in north London
According to Unite, the union, drivers working from DHL’s Enfield depot in north London are unhappy with current working conditions.
Unite regional officer Paul Travers said: “Our members are being treated appallingly, following the advent of the Carlsberg contact.
“When the employees come into work every morning they know they are being sent out with excessive workloads, which will take them up to the legal maximum of 15 hours to complete.”
He added: “We have had talks with senior management at DHL Tradeteam, but they are deaf to our legitimate concerns. Profit margins seem to be their only consideration.”
The Morning Advertiser tried to contact DHL about the claims, but there was no response at the time of publication.
