Glass packaging manufacturer Beatson Clark is, unsurprisingly, seeing an upturn in demand as the Covid-19 pandemic hits the pub trade and brewers turn to direct, online, and shop sales.

The South Yorkshire company is concentrating on production of its 330ml amber 1907 beer bottle, which is ideal for large and small breweries, both in the UK and overseas.

Marketing manager, Charlotte Taylor, said: “Our 1907 beer bottle is a very popular design and is used by many well-known breweries, including BrewDog.

“It’s important to maintain the production and supply of food, beverages, and pharmaceutical products during the Covid-19 crisis, and to do that producers need packaging.

“That’s why we took the decision to keep our glassworks running, and to put in place stringent healthy and safety measures to protect our staff while they carry out their work.”

Saltaire Brewery may continue deliveries if there is demand after the lockdown is lifted

With pubs, bars and restaurants closed, the main market for independent breweries has ceased to exist — but they are finding new channels to supply their customers.

A report by the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) found that 70% of craft breweries are offering new delivery or take-away services to keep the beer flowing, and around 61% of those breweries are offering free delivery. More than half of craft breweries (55%) say they have seen an increase in online beer sales.

A number of breweries and cider makers that use Beatson Clark’s bottles are seeing an increase in online sales. Dunkertons Cider, near Cheltenham, uses amber beer bottles and has seen a 1,100% increase in sales of bottled cider, advertised via social media and through the company’s new online shop.

Saltaire Brewery has introduced a delivery service for its beers across West Yorkshire, using Beatson Clark’s 330ml and 500ml amber bottles, and is hoping to expand deliveries to the rest of the UK soon. The brewery reports that the delivery service has been so successful it may continue deliveries if there is still demand even after the lockdown is lifted.

Among Beatson Clark’s other customers are Robinsons, Camerons, Greene King, and the UK’s only Trappist beer, Tynt Meadow.