Brooklyn Brewery

Carlsberg has signed a deal to handle the exclusive distribution of the Brooklyn Brewery beer portfolio in the UK.

The Kronenbourg owner, which already has partnerships with Brooklyn outside the UK, will take over distribution of the craft beer range from James Clay, effective 30 December 2016.

The Brooklyn line-up – which comprises Lager, Scorcher IPA, Summer Ale and East IPA, all imported from New York – would complement Carlsberg’s existing portfolio of premium craft and speciality beers and ciders, said Liam Newton, vice president of marketing for Carlsberg UK.

“Brooklyn Brewery is at the forefront of the craft beer revolution, brewing quality beers that drinkers seek out and enjoy, and we will ensure it thrives well into the future, like it has in the past,” he added.

Carlsberg’s portfolio includes Danish-style pilsner Carlsberg Export, Belgian ale Grimbergen, Spanish lagers Mahou and San Miguel, and Sweden’s Backyard Brewery beers Bee 17 and Lawn Mower.

Brooklyn CEO Eric Ottaway said: “This move is an extension of Brooklyn’s relationship with Carlsberg throughout Europe, and we look forward to working creatively with Carlsberg UK on the continued development of the Brooklyn brand in the UK.”

The new distribution deal marks the end of Brooklyn’s 15-year partnership with James Clay in the UK.

“We would like to thank everyone at James Clay for the great work they have done to build Brooklyn to this point in the UK,” added Ottaway.