Sam Adams to be brewed by Shepherd Neame

They have had Sam Adams contract-brewed in the U.S. for decades, so why not have it produced under licence abroad? In February 2012, U.S. craft brewer Boston Beer said that Kent-based Shepherd Neame will now be producing the beer after having previously served as their importer into the UK.

The beer will be available in the on-premise sector from mid-April, where it is to be served in Samuel Adams’ two-thirds of a pint glasses, before it will be rolled out in 330 ml and 500 ml bottles for retailers this autumn.

Shepherd Neame, a GBP 121 million (USD 192 million) turnover brewer with own-beer volumes of 391,000 hl in 2010/2011, already brews a host of international beer brands like Asahi Super Dry, Holsten Export, Oranjeboom and Kingfisher under licence in the UK.

Also in February 2012, Boston Beer reported higher sales and profits for its latest fiscal year. The company increased its volume sales 9 percent for the 12 months to the end of December 2011. Net sales rose 10.6 percent on the previous year to USD 513 million.