Cigar City Begins Shipping to UK for Distribution​

International expansion continues for Cigar City Brewing with the addition of the United Kingdom to the Tampa-based brewery’s distribution network. CCB has partnered with James Clay, the UK’s leading craft beer distributor, to distribute its ale and lager offerings, including award-winning Jai Alai IPA, throughout Britain. Kegs and twelve-ounce cans of Jai Alai IPA, Invasion Tropical Pale Ale, Maduro Brown Ale, Florida Cracker Belgian-style White Ale and CCB’s newest year-round offering, Guayabera Citra Pale Ale, began to arrive at the UK’s finest craft beer establishments earlier this month.

Looking to build on the strong UK presence of CANarchy portfolio-mate Oskar Blues Brewery, Cigar City Brewing enters the UK market poised for strong and sustained growth. The fastest growing craft beer brand in the United States, CCB grew by more than 60% in 2018 and boasts the 2nd best-selling craft six-pack can in Total US Multi-Outlet and Convenience. National and international awards and accolades have garnered attention for the brewery since their inception in 2009.

“We’re thrilled to bring our Florida-inspired beers to the craft beer enthusiasts of the UK,” said CCB’s El Lector Neil Callaghan. “British beer finds a wonderful balance between innovation and tradition, and we’ve been inspired by the British beer community since our inception. After collaborating with some fantastic breweries in the UK and participating in UK beer festivals for years, we’re finally able to deliver Cigar City Brewing’s dynamic beers to Britons full-time, thanks to the help of the amazing folks at James Clay. Nobody knows the UK beer market better than James Clay’s team, so we know we’re in good hands.”

Matthew Eyre, James Clay Head of Sales, said, “Cigar City Brewing is a beacon in the global beer scene, epitomizing the energy, creativity and quality of US craft beer. We are taking great care to ensure UK beer lovers can appreciate Cigar City Brewing’s phenomenal Jai Alai IPA in perfect condition through a cold shipping and storage chain. With such a huge array of beers available in the UK market, only the world’s finest beers will stand out. We are delighted that through our partnership with Cigar City Brewing, we can offer UK beer lovers just this.”

Market launch events took place throughout Scotland, Wales and England on Friday, November 16, at ten world-renowned beer venues; during which James Clay representatives educated attendees about CCB’s unique history and offerings.