UK pub chain Wetherspoon signs 20 year on-tap deal with Budweiser

United Kingdom | JD Wetherspoon has signed a new 20-year supply deal with AB-InBev's Budweiser Brewing Group UK&Ireland, marking the end of a four decade-long arrangement between the pubco and Heineken.

The Evening Standard newspaper reported on 29 November 2021 that the deal will see Budweiser become Wetherspoon’s largest supplier, from 15 December. The pubco also recently agreed new deals with BrewDog, Carlsberg Marston's and Molson Coors.

This means Budweiser, Stella Artois, Corona, Leffe Blonde and Bud Light, as well as Bathtub Gin, Bud Light Seltzer and Mike’s Hard Seltzer will be available at all 860 Wetherspoon outlets across the UK, while Heineken’s cider Strongbow will be replaced by Weston’s Stowford Press Apple.

Heineken left standing

Heineken will stop supplying Wetherspoons with draught beers, but is in discussions over supplying bottled beers, the newspaper said. Heineken’s own pub company, Star Pubs & Bars, is one of the leading leased and tenanted pub companies in the UK with approximately 2,400 pubs in its estate.

The Sun newspaper added that Wetherspoon will extend its discount on drinks for an extra three months. Punters can get some beers for GBP 0.99 (USD 1.30) until the end of February 2022. The promotion was supposed to end on 30 November. Per The Sun, all Wetherspoon pubs have lowered prices on drinks since the beginning of this month, but the discounts vary from branch to branch. Yet, the majority are selling three main drinks for GBP 0.99, which are: pale ale, Beck's lager in bottles and whiskey measures.