A THRIVING local brewery is set to increase its workforce after landing a lucrative contract with a supermarket chain.

Broughton Ales and two other Scottish brewers have struck deals worth more than £300,000 with Asda.

The microbrewery from the small Borders village will be supplying three craft beers - Black Douglas (500ml 5.2%), Dark Dunter (500ml, 4.8%) and Proper IPA (500ml, 5.0%) - and they will be available in more than 50 Asda stores across Scotland by the end of the month.

Broughton Ales has been working with the Asda for over 16 years. Established in 1979 as one of the first microbreweries in Scotland, Broughton Ales went on to employ seven staff and produce a wide range of premium and exclusive beers using quality Scottish produce.

The new contract will allow the company to expand its business and take on more people in the brew-house in the near future.

The Scottish craft beer sector is a ferment of innovation, bubbling with new products, marketing methods and fundraising strategies. Asda has also agreed deals with Belhaven and Williams Brothers, allowing it to launch 16 new lines on shelves from the three suppliers.

It is thanks to the sales success of all of their locally produced beer that Broughton, Belhaven and Williams Brothers have expanded their ranges and are able to provide consumers with an even bigger variety of beer flavours.

Brian O’Shea, Asda’s regional buying manager for Scotland, said: “Broughton, Belhaven and Williams Brothers beer products are premium quality and will give customers a new and local choice, particularly with the beer trend continuing to boom and new flavours on offer.” And he added: “Feedback from everyone who has tried the new lines has been incredibly positive.” so we look forward to working with the businesses closely and hopefully increasing the range of products available in–stores in due course.”