Activity behind the Holsten brand in the off-trade is set to be cranked up. The number of brands under the Holsten umbrella is to be increased. The first new product Duckstein, is already on the market. Sales director Geoff Bradman said: "We have four or five possible brands we can bring to market quickly in the next year. Some will be mainstream, some niche. They will be introduced where there is a consumer need." The UK arm of the leading German brewer took back responsibility for the lager in the off-trade from Scottish Courage in September. Since then it has been creating an infrastructure and a sales team. Sales director Geoff Bradman said the company had taken control of its routes to market, re-evaluated its communications with customers and researched consumer attitudes. Bradman said: "Distribution levels are high, but we need to know if the trade has the right pack at the right price in the right place. We need to ensure the mix between glass and can is right and we want to drive up rate of sale." He has a £15m budget to use this year. Part of this will go on TV advertising in the first quarter. The brand has been losing market share. This has now stabilised and it is the eighth biggest branded premium packaged lager in the off-trade, according to the company. The new retail team is led by national account controller Chris Ellis, who joined last summer from First Drinks Brands. He has five national account managers. Paul Simpson, responsible for Asda, Tesco and discounters, Teresa Lewis (Somerfield and Co-ops), Peter Robson (specialists and convenience), Darcey Naylor (specialists and convenience). The account manager for Sainsbury, Safeway and Waitrose is yet to be appointed. {{DRINKS }}