BusinessShepherd Neame commits to UK brewing as rivals sell upShepherd Neame is the owner of pubs such as The Samuel Pepys in LondonJoanna Hodgson6 March 2019Shepherd Neame, the pubs landlord and Britain’s old brewer, on Wednesday vowed not to sell-out amid a number of rivals offloading their beer arms.Chief executive Jonathan Neame, whose family founded the firm in Kent in 1698, said: “We see a great future as one of the few remaining independent brewers [in the UK].” The company is behind brands such as Spitfire and Bishops Finger.His comments come weeks after Fuller’s announced a shock £250 million sale of its beer division to Japan’s Asahi. Beer volumes at Shepherd Neame fell in the 26 weeks to December 29 after a contract to brew and distribute Asahi goods under licence expired in early 2018. Comparable sales rose 4.1% at managed pubs, and tenanted pubs had a robust underlying performance.Read MoreBlue Posts boss: If opening a pub becomes so risky, people just won't do itCulpeper pub boss: Rates system is not fit for purpose — and not fairThe bitter battle over the future of Truman BrewerySponsoredGreat gifts, foodie delights and experiences for the festive seasonNeame said: “In spite of the risks associated with the imminent departure from the EU, we remain confident that our long-term strategy positions the company well for the future.”MORE ABOUTShepherd Neame
