Members heard a debate on which drink was the best accompaniment for food with 47 voting for wine, 46 for beer and 4 for cider at the outset.

However, after hearing from Henry Chevallier Guild of Aspall Cider and Bulmers head of communications Fenella Tyler, cider increased its end vote to 18.

Wine’s support dwindled to 22 despite its virtues being extolled by Ian Harris of the Wine &Spirit Education Trust and Robin Knapp from Matthew Clark, leaving beer as the clear champion with 47 votes thanks to a presentation from Justin Adams of Greene King and Julian Grocock of SIBA.

“The most significant message to come out of the whole debate is that the trade can easily capitalise on the growing consumer interest in the style and subtleties of what they are drinking,” said ALMR chief executive Nick Bish.

“A little bit of information and some gentle suggestions can promote sales of all products, and perhaps a cross category approach to drinks and food matching would help pubs and producers alike.”

Taken from: www.morningadvertiser.co.uk
By Ewan Turney