Twickenham-based craft beer retailer Real Ale Ltd has been working with M&S again, sourcing two interesting drinks to add to the superstore’s range.
There are a new single-varietal cider, produced from dessert apples, by Kentish Pip (Kent), and an Oatmeal Stout from Ikley Brewery (Yorkshire).
In addition, Real Ale has worked with Magic Rock Brewing (Huddersfield) to introduce its core range of 330ml cans — Salty Kiss, a gooseberry gose, Inhaler, a juicy pale ale, and High Wire, a West Coast pale ale — to the award-winning major multiple. All branded and own-label products are now available nationally through M&S.
Kentish Discovery Cider is made, as the name suggests, from the Discovery apple and Sam Mount, managing director of Kentish Pip, believes it is a first for a national retailer. The apple variety and style of cider is typically Kentish. Discovery, traditionally an eating apple, is the first of the season to ripen. It has a distinctive character with floral and fruit notes of quince and peach, as well as a delicious fresh apple aroma.
Sam said: “This is our first supermarket, own-label product. It’s been invaluable working with Real Ale. They worked with us through the process, both on the product development and technical side. It will be fantastic to see our brand available nationally for the first time.”
Zeph King, managing director of Real Ale Ltd, said: “It’s very rewarding to work with smaller companies providing a channel through to M&S, a company that puts quality and new product development at the heart of its business. M&S aims to support smaller brewers and offer an unrivalled selection within their beer and cider ranges. These new own-label and branded products do just that.”
The Magic Rock Brewing range has been listed in Booths supermarkets, based in the North, but it is the first time that the brewery has been tempted to distribute through a national retailer.
Managing director, Richard Burhouse, said: “We have made the decision to supply M&S due to their commitment to quality, widespread reputation for excellent food and drink, quality product procurement through Real Ale and excellent supply chain logistics.
Real Ale’s technical team works closely with the individual brewers on the choice of ingredients, production of tasting notes, as well as selection of brands to introduce to M&S. The Real Ale team also ensures that all breweries are operating to M&S standards for food safety, hygiene and quality, and have robust systems of due diligence in place, which protects M&S brand integrity.
