Innis & Gunn sets its sights on America with new appointment

INNIS & Gunn, the Edinburgh-based beer company, has launched an assault on America after appointing a managing director for its operation in the United States.

Dan DeLuca, managing director of Innis & Gunn USA, joins from International Beverage, which owns Inver House Distillers and makes malts including Old Pulteney, Balblair and Speyburn.

Innis & Gunn is already the biggest-selling British bottled beer in Canada but the US only accounts for 3 per cent of sales.

Dougal Sharp, the brewer's founder and managing director, said the "craft" beer sector accounted for 16 per cent of the total US market and so the potential for Innis & Gunn was "enormous".

"Gaining a strong foothold in the US is an integral part of our growth strategy as we look to write the next chapter in Innis & Gunn's success story."

DeLuca added: "The appetite for better and more interesting beer amongst US consumers is growing all the time. All compasses point to a truly exciting few years as we introduce many new drinkers to Innis & Gunn."

Sharp's brother, Neil, had acted as "brand ambassador" in the US, after successfully launching the beers in Canada. He left last year to join Pernod Ricard.

Two-thirds of the firm's sales come from exports to countries including Finland, Ireland, Norway and Sweden, where it is the second-best selling UK beer behind Newcastle Brown Ale.

The firm is expected to unveil a 30 per cent rise in turnover when it reports its results next month.