Surrey-based Hogs Back Brewery is gearing up for a step change in its off-trade business after forging a new partnership with Hall & Woodhouse.
Hall & Woodhouse is taking on responsibility for sales into the major multiple grocers and wholesalers for Hogs Back brands including TEA (Traditional English Ale), Hogstar English Craft Lager and Hazy Hog Cider.
Hogs Back Brewery is enjoying sales growth across the board. On-trade sales grew 9% last year despite a challenging pub market, particularly for cask ales, while off-trade distribution continues to grow in its south-east heartland, with its flagship brand TEA now available in over 1,000 stores.
Under the new agreement, Hall & Woodhouse will sell Hogs Back brands alongside their own range of quality bottled ales. While focusing on TEA, Hogstar and Hazy Hog, they will also explore opportunities for other Hogs Back brands, including Gardeners Tipple, Farnham White – brewed with Farnham White Bine hops from Hogs Back’s hop garden – and Outback Pale Ale.
Hogs Back Brewery sales director Gordon Thompson said, “This is a hugely exciting development for Hogs Back and we’re delighted to be working with Hall & Woodhouse, a highly-respected company with extensive experience and proven results in the off-trade. Combining their sector expertise with the traction we have started to build in the off-trade should deliver exceptional results and take our brands to the next level.
“We’re confident that the Hall & Woodhouse team will quickly grow distribution of our brands, by both adding stores within existing customers and winning new stockists. We also expect to see rate-of-sale increases, with the support of the advertising and other marketing investment that we will continue to put behind our key brands.”
Hall & Woodhouse Head of Off Trade Sales Donna Carley commented “We are excited by this new partnership for a number of reasons. Hall & Woodhouse and Hogs Back are both independent businesses with similar values and cultural fit, and Hogs Back’s extensive range complements our existing portfolio.
“Being able to offer Hogs Back alongside our range of characterful, quality Badger ales and Timothy Taylor’s award-winning ales, enables us to approach retailers with a complete beer solution, in addition to craft cider in Hazy Hog.
“We’re looking forward to working in this new partnership, which we believe offers great advantages to both companies.”
Current off-trade stockists of Hogs Back Brewery brands include: Sainsburys, Waitrose, Tesco, Morrisons, Co-op, Aldi, Lidl, Marks & Spencer and Majestic Wine.
Image: Hogs Back sales director Gordon Thompson with Hall & Woodhouse head of off trade sales Donna Carley
