Move will improve logistics, says remote island producer
ONE of Scotland’s most remote breweries aims to increase distribution of its beers by making them available in draught format in disposable kegs.
Lerwick Brewery on Shetland has launched its flagship beers, 60° North and Skipper’s Ticket, in disposable KeyKegs, which are said to have a pressurised hard outer sphere with a sterile bag inside containing the beer.
The kegs, which have a capacity of 20 or 30 litres, are said to be easy to dispense, requiring an adapted coupler for use in existing cellar systems; they can be deflated and disposed of or recycled after use.
Alison Graham, on-trade sales manager at Lerwick Brewery, which launched its first beer last June, said the brewery’s location presented “logistical challenges” for using standard steel kegs.
“The traditional model of supplying heavy steel kegs to customers, who then return them to us for washing and re-filling, is difficult for our geographical location,” she said.
“The use of disposable kegs is great for our customers; it means we can supply anywhere in the UK and across the world.
“They work better logistically too – the compact design means that KeyKegs have a 25-30% higher loading capacity than steel kegs. Fewer shipments are required, and empty kegs do not need to be returned, offering both us and our customers savings on transport costs.”
Rhanna Turberville, brewery manager, said disposable kegs also “drastically reduce” its potential carbon footprint.
