Heineken expands portfolio with range from New Zealand brewer
HEINEKEN has extended its beer portfolio with the UK launch of New Zealand craft beer brand Monteith’s.
The global brewer, which distributes international brands Birra Moretti and Affligem in the UK, is now supplying a four-strong beer range from the Monteith’s Brewing Company.
Available in 330ml bottles, the Monteith’s range comprises Monteith’s Bohemian Pilsner Beer, Monteith’s Southern Pale Ale, Monteith’s Summer Ale and Monteith’s India Pale Ale.
The new beers were launched at an event in the New Zealand-inspired restaurant Kopapa in Covent Garden, London, where beer writer and comedian Ben McFarland led a beer and food pairing session.
Pedro Cruz, Heineken export manager for Western Europe, said that with consumer interest in the “indie beer market” accelerating the firm is “delighted to bring the unique and refreshing Monteith’s range to the UK”.
“Even before its UK launch date the brand is already developing a powerful buzz on social media across the UK as craft beer fans eagerly anticipate the arrival of the ultimate expression of New Zealand’s proud brewing heritage,” said Cruz.
“Monteith’s has developed a cult following outside its home nation and is perfectly suited to today’s consumer demands for more from a beer, particularly in the versatility of pairing Monteith’s variants with contemporary food options.
“The combination of great flavour, unique heritage and a natural affinity with food makes Monteith’s an exciting and appealing new option for UK restaurants and bars to offer to their customers.”
Speaking at the launch of Monteith’s, event host Ben McFarland said that it has “never been a better time to be a discerning beer drinker in the UK”.
“With a plethora of highly sought after hop varieties and a thriving craft brewing culture, New Zealand has emerged as one of the world’s most exciting brewing nations in recent years and Monteith’s, whose history dates back nearly 150 years, has been instrumental in this,” said McFarland.
The UK launch of the Monteith’s range follows another recent New Zealand launch from Heineken.
The firm introduced the Old Mout cider range to the UK earlier this year.
