Budweiser Brewing Group, AB InBev’s UK & Ireland subsidiary, has agreed on a 20-year deal to become the largest beer supplier across the JD Wetherspoon pub estate.
After a 41-year association with Heineken and its predecessors, Wetherspoon will be changing its beer and cider line-up from 15 December 2021.
The agreement with the Budweiser Brewing Group’s will see its brands, including Budweiser, Stella Artois, Corona, Leffe Blonde and Bud Light, as well as Bathtub Gin, Bud Light Seltzer and Mike’s Hard Seltzer, feature prominently on draught and in packaged format across all Wetherspoon pubs.
Additionally, Heineken’s draught ciders Strongbow and Strongbow Dark Fruits will be replaced by Stowford Press Apple and Stowford Press Mixed Berries, made by Westons Cider. John Smiths bitter is also being replaced by Worthington’s bitter, supplied by brewer Molson Coors. Wetherspoon has also recently agreed on long-term deals with current suppliers BrewDog, Carlsberg Marston’s Brewing Company, and Molson Coors.
Stella Artois is already the most popular draught beer sold in Wetherspoon pubs. The deal follows an increase in demand for Budweiser Brewing Group’s portfolio of beers during the pandemic, as world beers and premium lagers increased in popularity.
Paula Lindenberg, President of Budweiser Brewing Group, commented: “We are so excited to strengthen our partnership with JD Wetherspoon. Demand for our premium portfolio of Beers continues to grow, and this provides us with a fantastic opportunity to invest at scale in the UK’s vibrant hospitality sector and meet the strong demand nationwide for our beers.
“At Budweiser Brewing Group, we have the perfect recipe for success across Wetherspoon pubs – we have a strong, leading portfolio that caters to evolving consumer trends, especially as people opt for more premium options post-Covid, and we have a fully integrated and experienced team that will provide high-quality, expert service to every venue.”
Tim Martin, Chairman of JD Wetherspoon, added: “Budweiser Brewing Group UK&I will now become our biggest supplier, with new beers Budweiser, Corona and Leffe Blonde, in addition to their existing products, Stella Artois and Bud Light – as well as a range of bottled beers. We are also pleased to have agreed long-term supply deals with BrewDog, Westons Cider, Carlsberg and Molson Coors.
“Wetherspoon will continue to sell a wide range of traditional ales and craft beers from regional and micro brewers at competitive prices. We’re very pleased to have such a brilliant group of brewers supporting our efforts.”
