CAMRA app generates almost £10k worth of beer orders in first week

Brew2You, which launched on 6 May, saw more than 5,000 users pour on to the platform to place drink orders with more than 400 registered pubs, clubs, breweries and cider producers on its first day.

The delivery app developed by CAMRA with the endorsement of the British Institute of Innkeeping (BII), the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) and Cask Marque allows customers to search for and purchase from small businesses and, in turn, help the industry survive Covid-19 lockdown.

At the time of writing, more than 600 vendors from across the on-trade and brewing sector had joined Brew2You at a cost of £2 per month each, with close to £10,000 worth of sales generated in the before and during the 8 May bank holiday weekend. 

“The Brew2You app is a lifeline for an industry that has been devastated by the current lockdown measures,” CAMRA national chairman Nik Antona said on launching the app. “Hundreds, if not thousands of pubs and breweries risk permanent closure the longer the lockdown measures carry on.  

“Many breweries have had to very quickly change their business model from selling to pubs to consumers directly, and this is one way to help them to get their product to market.

“We want to make it as easy as possible for pubgoers and beer lovers to access locally produced artisan beers, ciders and perries during lockdown to keep struggling businesses afloat.

“It’s fantastic to see such a huge take-up for the platform in just 24 hours, which demonstrates the real appetite and support out there for the nation’s producers and pubs.”

Increased profile 

As reported by The Morning Advertiser ​(MA​),​ Jesse Wilson of award-winning craft brewer Jubel stated that sustained online beer sales during shutdown would ultimately put the drinks maker in a strong position to help its pub partners​ when their doors reopen.

“The lockdown measures have had a huge impact on us – we usually sell directly to pubs and have had to rapidly change our business model to sell to customers direct,” Charlie Farman of Shropshire’s Hobson Brewery said.

“While we have been facilitating this through local deliveries on a phone in basis, the app has really taken this to a national level. 

“We were pleasantly surprised by the response in just 24 hours – it’s helped us get our product out to a wider audience and raise awareness of our brand to help keep orders coming in.” 

Paula Wise of Wise Owl Cider in Kent added that the seven orders they received during their first day on the app were “a real godsend” for their business.

“We are a husband and wife team, so we don’t have a big marketing budget like other companies,” she explained. “However, we have won a number of awards and make some really great Kentish cider. 

“Brew2You has opened up so many more doors for us and increasing our profile at a time when we need it the most.”