Burnley brewer Moorhouse's hails 'landmark year' (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Burnley brewer Moorhouse's hails 'landmark year'

1:20pm Wednesday 4th January 2012 in News By Chris Gee, Reporter

EAST Lancashire brewery Moorhouse’s has hailed a ‘landmark year’ which has seen sales rocket after an expansion to their premises.

Sales increased 52 per cent in December to record levels, coming after a £4.2m expansion plan which tripled production capacity to 15 million pints of real ale per year.

Moorhouse’s, who are based in Accrington Road, Burnley, credited the increase in sales and turnover to newly negotiated business arrangements with national pub companies.

Moorhouse’s brands, which include Premier Bitter. Pendle Witches and Black Cat are now sold as guest cask ales in establishments run by pub giants Wetherspoon’s. Enterprise and Punch.

Managing director David Grant said: “Recent years have seen us consistently break all previous records and once again we have enjoyed an amazing festive season, despite the struggling economy.

“The figures are a real tribute to the appeal of our award winning beers with beer enthusiasts throughout the country.

“No doubt sales were also helped by the milder weather this year, allowing more people to get out for the season’s celebrations. “But the sales round-off a really exciting year as the brewery gathers momentum and give us a terrific start to 2012.”

Other business successes have been agreements with wholesalers in the south of England to distribute the beers.

The spike in sales in December came after the company reported a 44 per cent improvement in sales in November The company have also pinpointed supermarkets as a predicted area of growth as more people look to drink cask ales at home.

The improved facilities in Burnley include a visitor centre, with a bar and training school.