The Scottish ale market grew by 8.9% in 2016 compared to a rather flat 0.6% in the lager market, according to Nielsen ScanTrack research reported in the Scottish Grocer magazine.
The explosion in the Scottish market has largely been the result of extraordinary growth in the craft beer sector, with brands such as Brewdog’s Punk IPA and Dead Pony Club more than doubling sales.
Arran Brewery’s Blonde sales grew by a rather more modest 10.4%, making it the sixth fastest-growing brand of Scotland’s top 15 ales.
Of the independent breweries (SIBA member) brands, Arran Blonde took second place after Williams Bros’ Joker IPA, which chalked up an impressive 74% growth.
Arran Brewery managing director, Gerald Michaluk, said: “Arran is doing rather well at the moment. Our Arran Dark won Scottish CAMRA champion mild, while its keg version won a gold medal in the UK national awards.
“Arran Blonde is an outstanding ale and is getting wider listings and rapidly becoming a must-stock brand. Considering all our beers are made on an island, Arran is doing fantastically well and I can only thank the Scottish consumers for their continued and growing support.”
