BREWERS Daniel Thwaites have announced a major new deal with German lager giants Warsteiner.

The partnership means Thwaites will take over all kegging and distribution of Warsteiner throughout the country.

The deal follows three months of talks between the companies. Warsteiner is the top German lager and Europe's fourth best-selling brand.

Paul Winter, Thwaites' sales and marketing director, said: "This is a massive development and we are delighted to be linking up with such a top brand name.

"Not only does this put Thwaites forward as a major player in the UK brewing industry, it also completes an impressive portfolio of products.

"We strive to give the drinking public what they want and this is another significant move in a rapidly developing premium lager market place."

Thwaites marketing manager John Siddeley added: "The Warsteiner brand fits perfectly into our lager portfolio, particularly as the premium lager market is expected to grow by some 16.2 per cent over the next two years."

Warsteiner's international sales director Erich Kolrep said: "We were keen to find a suitable partner in Britain and Thwaites emerged as a perfect choice."

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