Close Brothers Brewery Rentals has announced that it will be offering half-price unwashed ecasks this summer to help beer and cider producers with cashflow as lockdown is eased.

Close ecasks

The drinks industry specialist is well known for its ecasks and ekegs, which allow breweries to take a ‘fill and forget’ approach to wholesale distribution. Beer and cider producers simply rent and fill containers, report which wholesaler they have been delivered to, and Close Brothers will collect them when they are empty.

Now, as hospitality businesses re-open, Close Brothers is keen to support the industry with flexible-term container rental. It will offer 50% off its unwashed nine-gallon ecasks throughout July and August, to help the industry move forward.

In addition, those using the half-price service will benefit from extended payment terms of up to 60-days. This gives businesses an additional 20 days to pay, which may provide some cashflow relief as breweries and cider producers begin to service the hospitality sector again.

Close Brothers is also offering contactless deliveries to brewers and a bulk scanning facility, to help organisations maintain social distancing where possible. It is hoped that this will facilitate the smooth and efficient running of deliveries and collections.

‘We recognise that businesses may have additional pressure on cashflow and will need to be flexible and responsive at this time’

David Beswick, managing director of Close Brothers Brewery Rentals, said: “The hospitality sector has been amongst those hit hardest by this crisis, but as lockdown restrictions ease, many will be looking forward to serving much-loved drinks again, albeit in slightly revised settings.

“It is vital that the industry is supported as things progress. There will be continued challenges, but we know first-hand that the businesses we work with are passionate about their products and incredibly innovative. Perhaps most importantly, they are key to the economy and our communities alike.

“At Close Brothers, we recognise that businesses may have additional pressure on cashflow and will need to be flexible and responsive at this time. Our drinks equipment and container solutions are designed with businesses in mind, and this half price offer reflects our commitment to that approach.

“To the breweries, pubs and others re-opening I say: we are proud to work alongside you, and we’re determined to provide help where possible. We will continue to evolve together.”