Eight independent brewers – Cairngorm Brewery, Fyne Ales, Harviestoun, Innis & Gunn, Inveralmond Brewery, Stewart Brewing, WEST and Williams Bros have joined forces to create The Brewers’ Association of Scotland (TBAS), to support, promote and safeguard the future of the industry.
TBAS Chairman Dougal Sharp, CEO of Innis & Gunn said, “The Scottish beer industry is thriving and opportunities abound within Scotland and Internationally.
“It is important to our sector, now more than ever, that we have an effective industry body to help us to achieve our individual business aspirations. Until now the industry has had no governing body in Scotland, whereas in other countries where there are similar associations the benefits of such a body are clear. More choice, greater levels of consumer awareness and understanding, high quality, higher growth and levels of business, all underpinned by targeted support from local governmental agencies.”
TBAS aims to deliver a group identity and quality standard for craft brewers across Scotland: artisanal brewers that are predominately Scottish owned and brew less than 200,000 hectolitres per annum in Scotland or within their group of companies. The key objectives of the Association are founded on seven fundamental principles: quality, promotion, market development, representation, accreditation, innovation and common interest grouping.
It is estimated there are now between 80-90 independent breweries in Scotland. The TBAS founder breweries employ 246 staff in Scotland between them with a combined turnover (latest accounts) of over £30m. The project is being facilitated by the Market Driven Supply Chain Project – jointly funded by the Scottish Government and Scottish Enterprise, and delivered by SAOS, with additional support from The Community Food Fund.
Commenting on the initiative, Richard Lochhead, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Food and the Environment, said, “Craft beer is becoming increasingly popular both at home and abroad and it is great to see Scottish artisan beer in such high demand.”
He continued, “It is important that – as the sector expands – those working in this business understand how they can capitalize through collaboration, to make the step changes to create strong, diverse businesses with national and global ambitions. I believe TBAS can make a strong contribution in this regard and I wish them every success. I’m delighted to be speaking to the founders at the Scottish Parliament tonight, during Scotland’s Year of Food and Drink, and look forward to seeing the outcome of their consultation.”