Pub company and brewer, Greene King, is launching 4.5-gallon cask pins to help licensees deliver a range of cask-fresh beers, whilst minimising wastage.
With the lingering effects of the pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis leading consumers to drink out less frequently, Greene King believes that the introduction of pins containing 36 pints per unit – half the size of the industry standard 9 gallon container – will help reinvigorate trade.
Following a seven-figure investment, the brewer will be rolling out the cask pins to all managed, lease and tenanted, and free trade customers this summer, with a varied portfolio of cask styles and flavours tailored to specific points in the year.
GK hopes that the pins will give customers the ability to manage a lower throughput at quieter times of the week, meaning less waste or risk of serving beer past its best quality – while in busier times, they will create the opportunity to offer a seasonal cask ale, providing a wider choice on the bar.
Head of Brewery Engagement at Greene King, John Malone, said: “The launch of pins within our business is one of many ways we are investing in the cask beer sector and in the industry. We have addressed the challenges serving this unique product can bring, and we believe the introduction of pins will help our customers serve our fabulous beers in perfect condition every time, whilst minimising wastage and maximising profits.
“Introducing pins will also provide our customer with the opportunity to expand their range and offer seasonal ales that provide a wider choice of styles and flavours to their guests,” said Mr Malone. “Cask ale is at the heart of a great pub, driving footfall and guest loyalty. We aim to support our customers in serving the best range of perfect quality beers for their bar.”
Greene King declared that it was ‘passionate about the future of cask’ and, as part of its support tools for customers, was offering full cellar training and guidance for pubs to ensure they have the knowledge and support to sell quality cask beer.
Last year, the brewer launched its ‘Cask Iron Guarantee, a pledge that entitles all free-trade customers a full refund for un-broached volume and a credit for remaining volume on broached Greene King casks that go out of date ahead of them being sold through.
