SIBA launches new local pub membership scheme

4th August 2011, 9:28am

The Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) has launched 'SIBA Locals' - a new pub membership scheme designed to help licensees capitalise on the growing consumer demand for local food and drink.

Membership offers licensees a number of benefits including a brass plaque for display outside their pub, posters and other tools to help them communicate their 'local beer champion' status to customers.  

The scheme also aims to strengthen the bond between pubs selling local beers and the SIBA brewers who supply them, through additional activity such as brewery tours, guided tasting sessions and staff training. 

SIBA Locals currently has 50 members, including the 30+ pubs belonging to SIBA's previous Pub Associate membership scheme, which is replaced by the new scheme. Membership costs £55 per year, with preferential rates offered to managed and tenanted pubs linked to SIBA brewer members and to SIBA Direct Delivery Scheme customers.

SIBA chief executive Julian Grocock said: "A SIBA Locals plaque on a pub wall is a sign that the licensee is serious about his beer, something that will resonate with the growing number of customers who now expect to see locally-brewed beers on the bar in the same way that they expect to see locally-sourced food on the menu.  

"At a time when pubs are having to work harder than ever to attract customers, SIBA Locals membership will, we believe, become a powerful business tool for licensees and we look forward to welcoming many more into the scheme."   

According to SIBA's Local Brewing Industry Report, local beer volumes grew by 8.8% during 2010, compared to an overall decline in the beer market of -3.9% (BBPA Beer Barometer). Some 80% of SIBA's volumes are cask ales, though there is growth in keg and bottled beers as smaller brewers look to create a broader craft beer market.

Related Articles:

• 09 Mar 2012 - SIBA Supreme Champion Award winners announced
• 01 Mar 2012 - Vice-chairman appointment at The Society of Independent Brewers
• 16 Jan 2012 - Timothy Taylor joins Society of Independent Brewers
• 01 Dec 2011 - The Society of Independent Brewers signs 100th member pub
• 06 Oct 2011 - SIBA to host Great Northern Beer Festival later this month
• 14 Jul 2011 - SIBA opens first head office at National Brewery Centre
• 05 Jul 2011 - SIBA introduces 2011 Business Awards
• 04 Mar 2011 - SIBA calls brewers to action at conference
• 17 Nov 2010 - SIBA Brewing Business Awards 2010 announced
• 21 Oct 2010 - SIBA hosts first ever Great Northern Beer Festival
• 26 Jan 2010 - Brewers to compete at SIBA National Beer competition
• 24 Sep 2009 - More SIBA members to apply for Cyclops accreditation
• 21 Jul 2009 - SIBA extends Great British Beer Festival presence
• 23 Jun 2009 - SIBA Brewing Business Awards open for entry

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