Theakston signs up to exclusive Tesco deal

This marks the first time the brewery, which is based at Masham in North Yorkshire, has struck an exclusivity deal with the supermarket chain and represents “a very significant piece of business for the company”, said Simon Theakston, executive director of T&R Theakston.

“This is very exciting news for Theakston’s and we will certainly be raising a glass to this deal. Our beers are amongst the finest in the world and are exported to many different countries – including many in the Commonwealth. Tesco has recognised this quality and it wants to capitalise on the growing demand for real ale.

“I’m also delighted to say that, in a separate move, Tesco will also be stocking our Hogshead beer.

“This is very pleasing for both us and Tesco’s real ale drinking customers”, said Mr Theakston.

T&R Theakston, which employs 35 people, is celebrating its 185th anniversary this year – the company was founded by Mr Theakston’s great-great grandfather in 1827.

Mr Theakston said: “We are very proud of the fact that we have been brewing in Masham North Yorkshire for 185 years and being one of Britain’s oldest established family brewing companies.”

T&R Theakston has a long tradition of supplying ale to publicans across the country, particularly in the free trade but also many tenanted and managed pubs. It owns only one pub – the White Bear Hotel in Masham. The firm also supplies bottled ale products to grocery chains and specialist convenience stores in the UK.

Mr Theakston, who declined to discuss the turnover of the business, said the plan is to “steadily grow our UK business but increasingly to focus on the growing international demand for English craft-brewed ales”.