Breweries cheer Scots supply deal with Lidl

Supermarket chain Lidl has announced the introduction of seven new listed beers, available across all of its 94 stores north of the Border in a six-figure supply deal.

The craft beers have been sourced from five of the group’s new suppliers, and represent contracts worth a combined £750,000 a year.

Microbreweries Stewarts Brewing from Edinburgh, Fierce Beer from Aberdeen, Fallen Brewing from Kippen, Orkney Brewing and Harviestoun Brewery in Alva will all see their products on the shelves in time for the festive season. The new beers range in style from Orkney’s Dark Island to Fierce’s Easy Shift Pale Ale.

The introduction of the new beers follows Lidl’s “Isle of Ale” festivals earlier in the year.

Craig Chalmers, the discount chain’s buying manager for Scotland, said: “We are delighted to double the number of Scottish ales available to customers in our everyday range, following the positive response to our Isle of Ale craft beer events this year.”