Welsh brewer, The Hurns Brewing Company, is heading for America where it will make its debut at one of the world-wide brewing industry’s most important events.
The Swansea based company will be flying the flag for Wales at the 70th National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA) convention and trade show in Las Vegas (September 30 - October 2).
The family-owned company will take centre stage at the event, which will include more than 250 exhibitors, by leading a master class on British beer styles.
Hurns Head Brewer, David Campbell, will conduct the special tasting tutorials for the event which attracts beer experts and drink industry professionals from across the globe
It is the first time the company has taken part in the NBWA event, and it is the only brewer from Britain invited to undertake the tasting sessions.
“We are absolutely delighted, not only are we the only Welsh company exhibiting in Las Vegas, but to be invited to lead the tasting is fantastic,” said Connie Parry, who co-owns Hurns with her brother Philip.
Since it bought the brewery in 2002 Hurns, which produces cask ales, bottled beers and Magic Lagyr (lager) under the Tomos Watkin brand, has reaped several prizes including True Taste and CAMRA Awards.
There are four varieties of bottled beers in the Tomos Watkin range, at the moment - in addition to this they produce several seasonal varieties of cask ale, such as, Cwrw Haf, Cwrw Santa and Dewi Sant - as well as Taffy Apples cider and Magic Lagyr.
Tomos Watkin beers made their American debut in 2006 in Chicago. Their beers, Taffy Apples Cider and Magic Lagyr are also sold in, Tesco’s, Co-op, Spar, Sainsbury’s and many other multiple retail stores. It is also exported to Russia and Dubai.
“Our dedicated brewing and sales team have worked hard to create Tomos Watkin as a recognised brand. It is a pleasure to brew beers of the highest quality for our customers. And we are thrilled to be playing such an important part at the NBWA convention,” said Connie.
The brother and sister team, great grandchildren of the original founder of the business, have built up a significant company. Their experience and sheer determination saved the Tomos Watkin brewery from obscurity, when they it bought it five years ago, safeguarding and creating jobs.
At the turn of the century the company manufactured lemonade, ginger beer, soda water and fruit cordials. Their original pop-alley bottles and stoneware bottles are on display in the local museum.
Said Connie, “We have a great passion for Wales and take great pride in our brewing, and as a result have exceeded our sales expectations.
We have had great support from the Welsh Assembly Government, and thanks to a trade sales mission to New York to celebrate St. David’s Day organised by International Business Wales, we secured a significant contract to import and distribute our beers to 50 states in America.”
MORE DETAILS: Sheila Coleman 01792 817532 / 07968 357474
Email: sheila@colemanroberts.co.uk
NOTES TO EDITORS
For further information about the company please contact:
The Hurns Brewing Company
The Kingsway
Fforestfach Industrial Estate
Swansea
SA5 4DLKingsway,
Contact: Connie Parry
Email: beer@hurns.co.uk
Tel: 01792 560020
Website: www.hurnsbeer.co.uk
