The milestone comes as data from CGA confirms that Carling has been the best-selling lager in the Great British on-trade for more than a decade, with sales over the past 12 weeks two thirds (67%) higher than the next most popular beer or cider brand[1].
CGA figures also show just how critical core lager is to pubs and bars across the country, accounting for 39% of sales in the on-trade over the same period.
Carling, which is brewed in Burton-upon-Trent, is made using 100% renewable electricity thanks to a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with RWE, one of the world’s leading renewable energy companies. The agreement means that all Molson Coors UK breweries are powered by renewable electricity from the Tween Bridge Wind Farm in South Yorkshire.
Martyn Cozens, UK on-trade director at Molson Coors, said: “Carling is still Great Britain’s number one lager with sales of over £1bn[2]. Each pint is brewed with British barley from our Molson Coors Growers Group of farmers, for drinkers to enjoy at pubs, bars and restaurants across the country. Core lager remains the backbone of the drinks offering for pubs and clubs, and with Carling – and all our beers and ciders in the UK – now brewed using 100% renewable electricity, our on-trade customers know that the cornerstone of their range is also boosting their sustainability efforts.
“Getting the right balance on the bar is crucial, which is why we’ve built a brilliantly balanced portfolio, from Carling, Coors, Doom Bar and Cold River Cider, to Staropramen, Madri Excepcional, Pravha and Aspall, to offer a mix of traditional favourites and premium options to satisfy different consumer tastes and occasions.”
Molson Coors signed a 10-year Power Purchase Agreement with Tween Bridge Wind Farm in March 2021, becoming the first major UK brewer to operate using entirely renewable electricity. 2021 has seen the company reach a number of its sustainability Imprint 2025 goals early – including removing single-use plastic packaging from across its major brands and be on target to reduce its direct carbon emissions by 50% four years ahead of schedule.
* CGA On Trade Value 9-Oct-21; IRI Off Trade Value 9-Oct-21
** Molson Coors internal sales March-October 2021
[1] CGA data w/e 09 October, 2021
[2] CGA On Trade Value 9-Oct-21; IRI Off Trade Value 9-Oct-21