JDW boss in line-up for future of cask discussion

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Top cast list: The Future of Cask Seminar is set to take place on the opening day of Cask Ale Week (credit: Getty/10'000 Hours)

Pub operators and beer experts, including JD Wetherspoon chair Tim Martin, will give their views on what lies ahead for the cask category at the Future of Cask Seminar.

The event, which is being organised by Cask Marque on 22 September, has a host of industry stalwarts, which includes beer writer Pete Brown, who will congregate at Brewers’ Hall, Aldermanbury Square, City of London.

Cask Marque director Paul Nunny will welcome guests at 10am, swiftly followed by JDW’s Martin who will make a 25-minute key-note speech giving “his views on today’s marketplace from a retailer’s perspective”.

Research on cask market

Beer writer Brown will report on new research on the cask market – post Covid, both covering the consumer behaviour and trade focus and issues from 10.30am.

Katie Wiles, senior communications manager of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) will speak at 11am about a consumer campaign with the emphasis on attracting new customers to the category. Cask Marque said: “Following research and input from an agency, Katie will present a new consumer plan together with the part that the industry needs to play.”

Beer sommelier and judge for The Publican Awards Annabel Smith will take the lecture up to midday by talking about why retailers should stock cask when there is more profit in selling other products and giving advice on how operators can boost profitability through cask.

Brewer’s perspective

The audience will then listen to retail case studies from operators who have used cask to drive revenue and footfall.

Before lunch, Timothy Taylor chief executive Tim Dewey will talk about his views on the market from a brewer’s perspective and how the industry needs to confront the issues that need to be addressed.

Post-lunch, delegates will begin Cask Ale Week with a trip to the Globe pub “to celebrate all that is good about cask and enjoy a few beers, nibbles and chat to friends”.