Brewery to build on success of cask ales with new sales chief

In January, Barnsley-based Acorn Brewery enjoyed a spike in sales of 15 per cent on like-for-like trade in 2011, with over 400 brewer’s barrels despatched. This followed a 12 per cent boost in Christmas sales and a rise of 18 per cent overall last year.

The growth is being supported with the appointment of David Broadhead as sales manager.

The company said Mr Broadhead, who has a sales and financial services background in roles across the UK, would support the management team in building the business to the “next level”.

Acorn’s range of beer has also been expanded with the addition of Yorkshire Pride to meet demand for blonde beers.

Last summer, founders Dave and Judi Hughes made a major investment to reopen the historic Old No 7 pub in Barnsley as the Brewery Tap, creating six jobs.

It followed brewery investment in of 50-barrel-capacity fermenting unit and cold store to develop off-trade sales. Bottled beers are now listed with major retailers, including Tesco, Asda, Waitrose, Asda and the Rhythm & Booze chain.

Acorn now directly supplies more than 400 pubs in the North and delivers regularly to London.

Mr Hughes said: “More and more young people and women are enjoying beers with quality and provenance. Our monthly IPA specials are a good example – landlords take them to give their customers beers with flavour.

“Opening the Old No 7 pub was a significant move to boost our profile in Barnsley and we have seen strong growth in the local area over recent months.

“Despite the troubled economy and pubs facing escalating costs and tax we are committed to further growth and David will play a central role in our plans.”