The brewer has announced that several discontinued beers will still be available in alternative formats. For instance, Banks’s Mild will transition to being sold in keg and cans, but will no longer be available in cask format.
In contrast, Jennings Cumberland ale, Marston’s Old Empire IPA, and Ringwood Boondoggle will continue to be offered as bottled beers, despite their cask variants being removed from availability.
A spokesperson for CMBC explained that this decision was driven by a decline in demand, necessitating tough choices regarding the delisting of certain beers.
“CMBC is passionate about cask ale and delivering a sustainable, successful future for this important part of British beer culture,” the spokesperson remarked.
“Like any brewer, we are continuously evaluating our product lines to better meet consumer preferences and foster the growth of cask ale while ensuring the highest quality brews.”
“We are committed to investing in and launching new cask ales, while also supporting beloved traditional offerings, from Banks’s Amber Bitter to Marston’s Pedigree.”
CAMRA Expresses Disappointment
In response, the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) expressed concern that this decision validates the apprehensions held by many of its members after Carlsberg’s acquisition of a 40% stake in CMBC for £206m.
Furthermore, CAMRA contended that this latest development poses a setback for the brewing industry, consumer choice, and job security, especially in light of CMBC’s plans to close Banks’s Brewery in Wolverhampton next Autumn.
Gillian Hough, CAMRA’s director of real ale, cider, and perry campaigns, noted that this decision exemplifies how a globally owned company is “wiping out UK brewing heritage.”
“I hope that this transition will create opportunities for licensees to feature guest beers from local independent breweries; however, I realistically doubt that this aligns with CMBC’s plans,” Hough added.
“Ultimately, this loss of consumer choice is an inevitable result of a brewing conglomerate prioritizing profit margins. This decision is both disheartening and detrimental, jeopardizing the legacy and future prospects of British brewing.”
