Tennents Announces Price Freeze

This announcement makes Tennent Caledonian the only major brewer to implement a price freeze whilst its competitors push prices up. The bold move acknowledges that the Scottish on-trade continues to face significant challenges from declining drinker visits and increasing costs.

This decision will provide a welcome financial boost for free on-trade outlets and is another strong signal of the brewer’s understanding and continued support for Scotland’s pubs, clubs and hotels.

This 2013 price freeze follows a five year period which has seen Tennent Caledonian consistently implement the lowest price increases in the Scottish free on-trade amongst major brewers.

Paul Waterson , Chief Executive of the Scottish Licensed Trade Association, commented: "Once again, Tennent’s has shown its support and commitment to Scotland’s pubs, clubs and nightclubs. The announcement that the business will be applying a price freeze on all of its major brands is welcome news at a very difficult time for the on-trade in Scotland. This price freeze will certainly help our members to control their costs and drive footfall to their premises, which is much needed."

Tennent Caledonian customer Mark Horner , the owner of Legends in East Kilbride, also welcomed the announcement. He commented: "This price freeze is welcome news for publicans across Scotland. We are all working hard in a very difficult climate as money is obviously tight for a lot of our customers up and down the country. A move like this one from Tennent’s is rare in our business and, as our costs increase, it is further evidence of their great support and commitment to the trade."

The announcement of a price freeze demonstrates Tennent Caledonian’s long term commitment to supporting a successful Scottish free on-trade, with a package that includes its leading portfolio of brands, excellent customer service, world class training via the Tennent’s Training Academy and a growing programme of lending and partnership funding for Scotland’s pubs, clubs and hotels. Over the last two years, Tennent Caledonian has provided valuable funding of more than £11 million to support on-trade businesses looking to expand or improve their offering.

John Gilligan , Managing Director of Tennent Caledonian, commented: "We believe that Scotland’s pubs, clubs and hotels are at the heart of their communities up and down the country and it’s crucial that they continue to thrive. We recognise that these are tough times for Scotland’s free on-trade and we will continue to support and invest where we can, helping operators control their costs, develop their businesses and build a responsible drinking environment for their customers. Today’s announcement is further evidence of this commitment and will make a real difference to the Scottish free on-trade in the year ahead."
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