Southern US states to get taste of Ilkley Brewery beers

Ilkley Brewery has landed its first export deal, which will see 14,000 bottles of its Mary Jane, Lotus and The Chief ales arrive in the southern states of the US in the next few days.

The deal was struck following two trade missions to the US. The first mission was completed with help from UKTI’s Passport to Export programme in January this year and the second, in March, was carried out as part of Santander’s Breakthrough programme.

A spokesman said yesterday: “This is Ilkley Brewery’s first overseas shipment and marks the first in a series of planned monthly orders which will leave the UK for America.

“The inaugural container load will be distributed to bars, restaurants and retail outlets throughout Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, New York and Washington states.”

The beers selected for this order were chosen by a panel of distributors and beer experts at a tasting event held by the brewery’s US importer in January.

Other shipments to the US will contain kegged as well as bottled beers and in the autumn, the brewery hopes to send its rhubarb Saison, Siberia and its chocolate Chipotle stout The Mayan to the US.

Managing director Chris Ives said: “We’re thrilled to finally see our first shipment leave for America. Export continues to be a key focus for the business, so striking our first overseas deal is a significant milestone for us.

“I first visited the States back in January and met with a number of beer distributors who were interested in our range and discussions continued over the coming weeks.

“I was then able to cement this first deal with our importer on a return visit to New York and Washington in March, this time as a member of the Santander Breakthrough programme.

“We are particularly pleased to do business with the Americans because there isn’t a huge amount of British beer available in the States, mainly because there are so many fantastic craft breweries out there already.

“Through the tasting events, we were able to demonstrate that our beers are intriguing and vibrant. We’re offering something completely different to American craft beers.”

Last year, The Ilkley Brewery beat competition from 3,100 promising young businesses across the UK to take the top prize in a national competition supported by nearly 500 local newspapers.

Prime Minister David Cameron praised the Local Business Accelerators campaign, and sent a message of congratulations to the finalists at a ceremony which was held at the top of Millbank Tower in central Lon- don.