Big Drop Brewing Co announces first national on-trade listing

29-Aug-2018 - Last updated on 29-Aug-2018 at 13:14 GMT

Nationwide rollout: Big Drop Stout and Big Drop Pale Ale have been launched across All Bar One and Castle pubs

Low-alcohol beer brand Big Drop Brewing Co has announced a listing with Mitchells & Butlers (M&B) – its first with a national on-trade partner.

Initially available at M&B’s city centre bar brand, All Bar One, the award-winning Big Drop Stout and Big Drop Pale Ale have also been launched across their 100 strong Castle Pubs estate.

“This is a big step forward for Big Drop and the whole category,” said Big Drop founder Rob Fink. “Mitchells & Butlers continues to recognise the growing importance of providing a credible range of options for non-drinkers.

“For too long, retailers were only prepared to stock one or two standard low or no-alcohol beers, but M&B is leading the way by introducing drinks that are more in tune with their reputation for presenting an incredible craft offering.”

Positive products

Mitchells & Butlers beer and cider procurement manager Ben Lockwood added: “We’re thrilled to start this partnership with Big Drop and its impressive 0.5% ABV range of beers.

“We know that some of our guests are looking to moderate their alcohol intake without sacrificing the social occasion our pubs and restaurants provide, and the addition of Big Drop Stout and Pale Ale clearly gives them positive products to enjoy.”

M&B follows in the footsteps of Draft House and Barworks in stocking Big Drop beers, as well as major restaurant listings including Hakkasan, The Ivy Collection and Fortnum & Mason.

Operator rethink

The beers will also be available at famous Castle Pubs, including the Spaniards Inn at Hampstead Heath, north-west London, and the Adelphi in Leeds, West Yorkshire, as well as at All Bar One’s popular city centre bars.

“More than a fifth of UK adults do not drink alcohol, with that number rising to one in four young people aged between 16 and 24, and an increasing number of people are also cutting back on their alcohol consumption” added Fink.

“This means operators have to rethink their attitude towards their drinks range and provide a diverse selection that’s representative of their customer base. We’re looking forward to working with M&B as it does exactly that.”