THE brewer behind Carling lager has struck a partnership with Matthew Clark that will see the specialist drinks wholesaler become its major distributor to independent pubs, clubs, bars and hotels in Scotland.
The deal is the first of its kind that Molson Coors has enterered into. It is designed to enhance the service provided by the US brewing giant to its free-trade customers north of the Border.
Molson Coors, which runs its Scottish sales operation from Livingston, noted the "high potential" it saw for its brands in Scotland. It said the commercial and distribution strengths of Matthew Clark meant it could provide a service that is better suited to independent traders.
A consolidated invoicing system has been set up that will mean customers receive their orders through Bristol-based Matthew Clark. The wholesaler supplies around 16,000 outlets across the UK and offers a standard next day delivery service.
Molson Coors, whose brands also include Coors Light, Blue Moon and Doom Bar, will cease to provide a wholesale service to the free trade in Scotland on September 27 at the end of a handover period.
However it will continue to sell wholesale to national accounts in Scotland and supply beer to the rest of the on and off-trades on both sides of the Border. The brewer's deal to directly supply Belhaven, the Greene King-owned brewer, wholesaler and pub operator, will also be unaffected.
Keith Fagan, commercial director for Molson Coors in Scotland, said the new partnership would afford the brewer to place "absolute focus on driving our core brands, while growing our portfolio".
He said: "Matthew Clark is a big player in the Scottish on-trade - they understand the on-trade and the needs of our customers. We plan to build on the momentum we have created in Scotland over the last few years through the partnership with Matthew Clark and our existing agreement with Belhaven.
"The partnership will allow us to invest more in our brands, the market, and our people and will enable the Molson Coors sales team to focus on building brand growth in Scotland."
Des Gallagher, managing director of Matthew Clark in Scotland, said the Molson Coors' brands will "enhance the choice we can offer our customers".
He added: "We share the same customer-led vision and we very much look forward to working with the Molson Coors team, helping them to increase their brand presence in Scotland."
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