Australia: Coopers to export stout to Ireland

In a “coals to Newcastle” type arrangement, Adelaide’s Coopers Brewery is to export its Best Extra Stout directly into Ireland, the home of Guinness, according to Adelaide’s Coopers Brewery press release from December 13.

The first shipment of Coopers Stout, Sparkling Ale and Pale Ale bound directly for Ireland has left Adelaide and is due in Dublin early in January, 2007.

Coopers Chairman and Marketing Director, Mr. Glenn Cooper, said that while Cooper’s beers had been sold in Ireland for a number of years, supplies had been sent in by distributors based in England and Belgium.

A new agreement had now been signed with an Irish distributor, World Beers Ireland that would improve the availability of Cooper’s ales throughout Ireland.

“Stout was one of the first beers produced by Cooper’s founder, Thomas Cooper, when he began brewing in the 1860s,” Mr Cooper said.

“Since then, it has established a reputation as one of the best stouts in the world and has gained a loyal following in many overseas markets, including Ireland.

“We expect the new distribution arrangements will enable us to further grow the Irish market not just for Coopers Stout, but also for Vintage Ale and Pale Ale.”

Mr. Cooper said Coopers Best Extra Stout had a rich, roasted character that was distinctly different to Guinness, which had a drier finish.

They are considered the best stouts in the world by international beer experts.