The award-winning Evan-Evans brewery in Llandeilo is helping to champion the power of local.
There is a growing consumer trend to buy local food and drink, with the accent firmly on quality products.
“Pubs are no different in that respect to your local greengrocer, butcher and fishmonger,” said James Buckley, of Evan-Evans.
“More and more nowadays customers and consumers are appreciating the value of ‘buying local’. They know they are supporting local industries and businesses and they know they are getting quality products for the pound in their pocket.
“In the brewing industry in Wales, we have found in recent years that people putting real value on excellence. Here, at Evan-Evans we produce a range of traditional quality ales which are winning awards and building on our reputation for excellence.”
Mr Buckley, 22, recently rejoined the brewing team at Evan-Evans and is now helping to promote an initiative from SIBA, the Small Independent Brewers’ Association.
SIBA will this week (August 2) be launching SIBA Locals, a scheme which will identify Local Beer Champions.
Mr Buckley said: “More and more people make a conscious decision to go to pubs selling local produce – meat raised on local farms, fish caught in local waters, local fruit and vegetables grown in season and , of course, beer from their local brewer.
“Becoming a SIBA Local says a pub cares about its local community, supports local brewers and sells their distinctive, flavoursome craft beers.
“Pubs joining the scheme receive a brass plaque, posters and access to a dedicated website (http://www.siba.co.uk/sibalocals) designed to help them communicate their ‘local beer champion’ status.
“The initiative is all about championing the good things that are local and I will be doing my very best to encourage the Free Trade pubs in South West Wales and further afield to sign up to the scheme.”
SIBA Local pubs will have access to special tasting notes and help in staging special events.
SIBA’s Pub Associate scheme is being launched at this year’s Great British Beer Festival, which starts in Earls Court in London on Tuesday, August 2.
Related Weblinks:
http://www.siba.co.uk/sibalocals
http://www.evan-evans.com/
