As with many businesses, the Covid-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on the operations of small suppliers across Ireland. Over the past year, Aldi has reached out to a number of its current small suppliers, as well as some new ones in order to support their businesses throughout these difficult times.
Aldi’s latest Craft Beer Event will highlight three small, Irish Craft Beer Breweries, showcasing some of the best craft beers around.
Rascals Brewing Company, Black Donkey Brewing and Dundalk Bay Brewery are three Irish suppliers that Aldi has partnered with for this Craft Beer Event. You can get your hands on their amazing craft beers in 145 Aldi stores from Thursday, 18th March
Black Donkey Brewery (Roscommon)
Sheep Stealer 5.6% ABV €2.49/500ml
Black Donkey Brewing was founded by husband and wife team of Richard Siberry and Michaela Dillon in 2014 and has been brewing traditional Irish and European style ales and lagers in Ballinlough, Co. Roscommon ever since. All production, "from grain to glass" is carried out using as many local products as possible.
Founder of Black Donkey Brewing, Richard Siberry said, “The closure of all pubs, restaurants, and hotels in the country, along with the absence of tourists has meant the loss of approximately 80% of our market. We are very appreciative of the support from Aldi at this very challenging and dynamic time. Ireland’s Independent craft brewers are an often overlooked, but increasingly important part of Ireland’s hospitality industry and like our colleagues in the pubs and restaurants, any opportunity to explore alternative markets, and build new relationships at this time is very welcome”.
Rascals Brewing Company (Dublin)
Fruitropolis Pale Ale 4.3% €2.49/300ml
Wunderbar IPA 6.0% €2.49/330ml
Rascals Brewing Company is an Inchicore-based independent craft brewery, founded in 2014 by the husband-and-wife team of Emma Devlin and Cathal O’Donoghue. In autumn 2018 they opened Dublin’s first taproom and pizza restaurant in Goldenbridge Estate, Inchicore. As well as a popular spot for lovers of pizza and locally-brewed beer, Rascals HQ has become a hub for local community organizations. Rascals offer a huge amount of support to all kinds of local youth, musical, variety and sports groups. Rascals Brewing Company prides itself on building strong local relationships and enhancing the community of Inchicore and Dublin 8.
Founder of Rascals Brewing Company, Emma Devlin said, “Our export and keg sales suffered most and this affects a huge part of our business and income. The closure of pubs for nearly the entire year has been a serious hammer blow to our business and our industry. This Craft Beer event from Aldi is another brilliant helping hand amidst a very challenging twelve months”
Dundalk Bay Brewery (Louth)
Brewmaster IPA €2.49/440ml
Brewmaster Pale Ale €2.49/440ml
Dundalk Bay Brewery and Distillery is a family-owned company that started from a vision and passion for building breweries and distilleries. Their founders own the sister company, engineering firm Spectac International, which creates bespoke breweries and distilleries for clients all over Ireland and the EU. The idea for Brewmaster came about one day in 2018 when they decided to take a leap of faith and build their own showcase living and breathing independent craft brewery. Soon after, their in-house beer brand, Brewmaster was born. The journey has never ended since and they continue to develop their Gin and Whiskey Distillery - the expansion continues! Quality premium beer is what Brewmaster delivers and the brand has an exciting category of beers to enjoy with their massive heritage of brewing since the 1700’s in Dundalk.
Founder of Dundalk Bay Brewery, Faye Healy said, “We are absolutely delighted to have our Brewmaster beers featured at Aldi’s craft beer event and we are happy to showcase our premium quality beers to the Aldi audience! This last year has been tough with the current climate, especially as over 70% of our business was in the on-trade. Fortunately, we have seen a big increase in our off-trade sales and this is the cherry on top. Aldi has been brilliant in giving us this opportunity and we will remember that as we continue to reach new heights going forward.”
The above products will be on sale in 145 Aldi stores nationwide from Thursday, 18th March while stocks last.
Slán go fóill,