Innis & Gunn raises glass to Thatchers agreement

Beer maker Innis & Gunn is cheering a new agreement that will see the firm market cider brand Thatchers throughout the United States.

Martin Thatcher, left, and Dan Deluca celebrate the tie-up between their firms with a glass of the formers cider

Under the exclusive three-year tie-up, the Edinburgh-based company will assume all administrative, marketing and promotional support for the Somerset firm’s flagship brand through its Stateside subsidiary, Innis & Gunn USA.

Dougal Sharp, founder and chief executive of Innis & Gunn, said: “Thatchers Gold will be new to the US, where the cider category is showing explosive growth.

“A new generation of American consumers is looking for ciders with heritage, quality and character, so this is a very exciting step and we are proud to be part of it.”

Established in New York in 2010 and headed by Dan Deluca, Innis & Gunn USA represents the firm’s beer portfolio in more than 20 states. This year it expects to sell three million bottles in the US – a growth rate of 32 per cent measured by volume.

Martin Thatcher, managing director and a fourth generation cider-maker, said: “The reputation of crafted English cider is rapidly spreading in the US.

“With Thatchers Gold sitting alongside Innis & Gunn’s range of craft beers, we are very optimistic for the future.”