Cigar City Brewing grows United Kingdom distribution footprint

International expansion continues for Cigar City Brewing with the addition of James Clay, the UK’s leading craft beer distributor, to its network. Kegs and twelve-ounce cans of Jai Alai IPA, Invasion Tropical Pale Ale, Maduro Brown Ale, Florida Cracker Belgian-style White Ale and CCB’s newest year-round offering, Guayabera Citra Pale Ale, began to arrive at the UK’s finest craft beer establishments earlier this month.

Looking to build on the strong UK presence of CANarchy portfolio-mate Oskar Blues Brewery, Cigar City Brewing enters the UK market poised for strong and sustained growth. One of the fastest growing craft beer brand in the United States, CCB grew by more than 60 percent in 2018 and boasts the 2nd best-selling craft six-pack can in Total US Multi-Outlet and Convenience.

“British beer finds a wonderful balance between innovation and tradition, and we’ve been inspired by the British beer community since our inception,” said CCB’s El Lector Neil Callaghan. “After collaborating with some fantastic breweries in the UK and participating in UK beer festivals for years, we’re finally able to deliver Cigar City Brewing’s dynamic beers to Britons full-time, thanks to the help of the amazing folks at James Clay. Nobody knows the UK beer market better than James Clay’s team, so we know we’re in good hands.”

“We are taking great care to ensure UK beer lovers can appreciate Cigar City Brewing’s phenomenal Jai Alai IPA in perfect condition through a cold shipping and storage chain,” said Matthew Eyre, James Clay Head of Sales. “With such a huge array of beers available in the UK market, only the world’s finest beers will stand out. We are delighted that through our partnership with Cigar City Brewing, we can offer UK beer lovers just this.”

Market launch events took place throughout Scotland, Wales and England on Friday, November 16, at ten world-renowned beer venues; during which James Clay representatives educated attendees about CCB’s unique history and offerings.