Oddbins See Massive Growth in Craft Beer Sales

Paul ButlerLatest News, News

Oddbins is launching an own-label premium bottled ale after reporting that sales of craft beer grew 179% over the past year.

The off-licence chain now has 209 craft beers on sale across its 34 stores – with local brews accounting for 40% of beer sales.

It is now launching its own craft ale called Oddbins No.1. The beer is made by the East London Brewing Company and will be available from the start of December.

Oddbins No.1 is a limited-edition winter ale infused with cinnamon, ginger, cloves, orange peel, nutmeg and vanilla.

Ayo Akintola, Managing Director of Oddbins, said that Oddbins would continue to increase its range of locally made beers and was seeking further collaborations with craft brewers in 2014.

He added:

“Consumers appreciate local, artisan, tasty beers with character. This trend is a result of the big beer companies that make bland, mass-produced and uninspiring products. Oddbins is committed to supporting and working in collaboration with local craft brewers to ensure that this particularly unique British industry continues to thrive ”
Ayo

The firm currently works with around 50 beer and cider producers, including London Fields, East London Brewing, Pressure Drop Brewing, Rocky Head, Cromarty Brewing, Fyne Ales and Beavertown. Oddbins now has 209 craft beers on sale across its branch network, with local brews accounting for 40% of all beer sold in its stores.