Wetherspoons have agreed a 20 year deal with Budweiser Brewing Group which ends an on-tap partnership with Heineken that has lasted over 40 years. It will mean that from December the pub chain will no longer have brands such as John Smith’s and Strongbow across its pubs in the UK.
The deal will see Budweiser Brewing Group’s portfolio, including Budweiser, Stella Artois, Corona, Leffe Blonde, and Bud Light, as well as Bathtub Gin, Bud Light Seltzer and Mike’s Hard Seltzer, feature prominently on draught and in packaged format across every Wetherspoon pub.
It is believed that Heineken will continue to provide a number of brands as packaged products.
Wetherspoon has also recently agreed long-term deals with current suppliers BrewDog, Carlsberg, Marston’s Brewing Company and Molson Coors.
Tim Martin, Chairman, JD Wetherspoon, commented: “Budweiser Brewing Group UK&I will now become our biggest supplier, with new beers Budweiser, Corona and Leffe Blonde, in addition to their existing products, Stella Artois and Bud Light – as well as a range of bottled beers.
“We are also pleased to have agreed long-term supply deals with BrewDog, Westons Cider, Carlsberg and Molson Coors.
“Wetherspoon will continue to sell a wide range of traditional ales and craft beers from regional and micro brewers at competitive prices. We’re very pleased to have such a brilliant group of brewers supporting our efforts.”
Paula Lindenberg, president of Budweiser Brewing Group, said: “We are so excited to strengthen our partnership with JD Wetherspoon. Demand for our premium portfolio of Beers continues to grow, and this provides us with a fantastic opportunity to invest at scale in the UK’s vibrant hospitality sector and meet the strong demand nationwide for our beers.
“At Budweiser Brewing Group, we have the perfect recipe for success across Wetherspoon pubs – we have a strong, leading portfolio that caters to evolving consumer trends, especially as people opt for more premium options post-Covid, and we have a fully integrated and experienced team that will provide high-quality, expert service to every venue.”