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Wells and Young's Accredit Supply Chain to ensure Best Cask Beer Quality

31st August 2010

Brewers, Wells and Young’s, has had its supply chain, which is managed by KN Drinks Logistics, a subsidiary of the Kuehne + Nagel Group, accredited with the coveted Distribution Charter from Cask Marque – the first brewery to do so.

The accreditation means all Wells and Young’s cask beer is handled in the very best conditions with the care and attention it needs, and is assurance for the Charles Wells and Young’s pub company tied estates as well as national direct accounts, of top quality beer.

Examiners from Cask Marque visited each KN Drinks Logistics depot ensuring Wells and Young’s cask beers are handled correctly and stored at the correct temperature. In some depots where cold room storage wasn’t previously available, KN Drinks Logistics and Wells and Young’s have jointly invested in cold storage rooms solely to be used for the brewery’s own beers

Nigel McNally, MD for Wells and Young’s said: “Quality is absolutely paramount to us as we want our drinkers to get the very best pint at the bar. Therefore we have invested significantly in our Cask Beer Quality Programme – not only in the supply chain but also at the brewery. Last year for example, we increased our on-site cold beer storage by 150% and worked with KN Drinks Logistics to introduce cold beer stores within all their secondary distribution depots holding Wells and Young's cask beers.

“No other brewer has had its third party supplier accredited by Cask Marque and this, yet again, demonstrates Wells and Young’s is leading the field when it comes to cask beer quality.”

Paul Nunny, director of Cask Marque explained the importance of the accreditation. He said: “We have for years preached the important part the licensee plays in delivering the ‘perfect pint.’ Now we are looking to ensure the landlord receives beer in the best possible condition. This means temperature controlled warehousing, excellent sell by dates, good ullage procedures and more.

“Wells and Young’s is the first brewer to contract out all their distribution and by obtaining the Distributor’s Charter ensuring that their speciality premium beers are handled and warehoused correctly, they are giving a total beer quality message to all their customers within Tied Estate, Free Trade and National Accounts.”

James Wroath, Managing Director, KN Drinks Logistics said: “We are delighted to share with Wells and Young’s the accolade of being the first third party logistics provider to have successfully achieved the Cask Marque accreditation for the storage and handling of their cask products. We fully recognise the importance of product quality within the industry and have welcomed the opportunity to work in partnership with Wells and Young’s to invest in this initiative.”