The best of the west
The South West of England remains a tightly competitive region for beer producers. Now some of them are turning to the internet to push their products forward. Dominic Roskrow reports
Established regional brewers and the latest advances in new technology are reluctant bedfellows, and it remains one of the drink industry’s greatest ironies that while many state of the art microbreweries are rightly acclaimed for beers produced in technologically advanced equipment sited on industrial estates, the traditional regionals are forced onto the back foot every time a new practice is adopted.
Because beer lovers are fiercely protective of their favourite pints, progress is viewed with suspicion.
These days it is commonplace to hear older British brewers stressing their loyalty and adherence to the traditional methods while stating that they are not scared of embracing new techniques that help take the back work out of brewing but not the skill.
Such progress is essential of course if the midsized regionals are going to survive in an increasingly competitive market place where the biggest brands have the support of national pub and drinks companies and the very smallest enjoy duty breaks and can operate with the speed and efficiency of a speedboat in a harbour full of tankers.
And it would seem that the reluctance of brewers to risk their heritage and to appear too flash and fancy extends to the internet. I’ll admit to the fact that the evidence is pretty anecdotal and unscientific, but it seems to me that few sectors have failed to embrace the internet and new technology less than beer makers. I rang one larger regional in Dorset recently for an email address t.....
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By Dominic Roskrow
Section : Regional Focus
Page number : 33
