CLICK HERE TO ADD YOUR EVENT

Vault City toasts first ever supermarket listings for stout with major UK name

Jingle Brew: Edinburgh-based independent beer firm Vault City now has its Gingerbread Latte Imperial Stout stocked by Tesco in time for festive season.

Vault City toasts first ever supermarket listings for stout with major UK name

Article Source: Vault City
Last Updated: 19 December 2024 10:26

SCOTTISH craft beer innovator Vault City has secured its first-ever supermarket listings for one of its stout products after inking pivotal deals with sector giant Tesco.

The Edinburgh-based independent craft brewer now has its Gingerbread Latte Imperial Stout stocked nationwide by the retailer just in time for the festive season, further expanding the reach of its boundary-pushing flavour combinations.

The firm, which specialises in heavily fruited, modern sour beers in flavours such as Passion Fruit Lemon Sorbet, Chocolate Strawberry Dutch Pancakes, and “Iron Brew” - has already proved popular with customers of Tesco, becoming its biggest sour beer seller.

The supermarket giant already stocks Vault City flavours such as Triple Fruited Mango Sour Beer, and Blackcurrant Kir Royale. They complement listings in fellow supermarkets Asda, Morrisons, and Sainsbury’s.

Vault City – the UK’s largest sour beer producer – is now looking to gain market share with the Gingerbread Latte Imperial Stout that features chocolate malt, oats and creamy vanilla for a velvety mouthfeel, and with an ABV of 11%. Additions of brown sugar creates delicate sweetness while subtle coffee notes meld with cosy, warming spices of cinnamon and ginger rounding out each sip.

The firm also recently debuted a Last Christmas Sour Beer, taking its name from iconic ‘80s pop band Wham!, and its flavour from boiling and infusing 500 Wham chew bars into the brew.

Expanding production to meet the requirements of the new listings is being enabled by the company (which in 2022 became the first commercial brewery in the UK to adopt a four-day week) having started plans for relocation to a new brewery.

It’s set to move into a new state-of-the-art facility seven times the size of its previous premises, funded by a £330,000 crowdfunder.

The 34,000 sq ft site, at BioCampus, Scotland's first dedicated national bio-manufacturing campus located within the Midlothian Science Zone in Edinburgh, means Vault City can produce more than 10 million litres of beer a year, an increase of more than eight million. There’s also scope to expand the new facility by 20 times its current size.

Furthermore, the firm securing its first stout listings come as demand for the drink - which originated in the early 18th century and is characterised as a malty, full-bodied, dark beer with a creamy head - increases at pace.

Tesco said in April this year it had seen sales of the stout grow by 35 per cent. It added that the drink was the fastest-growing beer variety in the UK, driven not just by incumbents such as Guinness, but also a growing number of craft producers.

The supermarket said it was stocking 15 different stouts - “which would have been unthinkable about five years ago” - including a non-alcoholic variety. Sector leader Guinness has been enjoying a revival, buoyed by its Nitrosurge device that replicates a pub-drawn pint of the black stuff, and by its alcohol-free version.

Vault City’s co-founder Steven Smith-Hay said: “These new supermarket listings are yet another major milestone for us as we seek to reach as many people as possible with our beers in a wide range of mind-blowing seasonal flavour combinations.

“Our Gingerbread Latte Imperial Stout has proved highly popular since it was launched. It tastes really festive, with the lightness of the vanilla, spiciness of the ginger, and the sweetness of the brown sugar balancing well with the rich and deep flavour of the stout. We firmly believe it stands out among more established rivals.”


The entrepreneur, who began his craft beer journey brewing beers in his kitchen, added: “We have always wanted to be the biggest dedicated sour beer producer in the world - and now securing our first supermarket listing for stout means we can make major in-roads into this growing market too. Our plans are being accelerated by our upcoming move to a much larger manufacturing site.

“We’re looking at other inventive ways we could expand our range in the stout sector - as well as gain further traction in the supermarket sector overall as demand for sour beers also continues to gain momentum.”


Vault City was founded in January 2018, and has grown revenues from just shy of £94,000 in December 2019 to £5.1m in latest financial year. It makes more than a third of sour beers consumed in the UK, exports to more than 20 countries including Norway, France, Denmark, and Singapore, with China a key growth area. Furthermore, it is stocked in 250-plus bars across the UK.

Recent senior hires include signing up Martin Monro as Commercial Director. Joining from Northern Monk, Monro helped grow revenues to c£18m from £3m, launching the brand into supermarkets and on-trade national retailers for the first time.

For more information on Vault City, see vaultcity.co.uk

Sponsored Links

Scotonomics
St Mary's Music School
Escape The Past
Children's Classic Concerts

Latest Edinburgh News

2 for 1 Whisky Adventures Await at Johnnie Walker Princes Street This February

2 for 1 Whisky Adventures Await at Johnnie Walker Princes Street This February

Last chance to enjoy 2 for 1* on Johnnie Walker Princes Street’s award-winning experiences until 28th February.

READ MORE
Join us on Spaceship Earth as Edinburgh Science Festival blasts off in April

Join us on Spaceship Earth as Edinburgh Science Festival blasts off in April

Edinburgh Science Festival welcomes everyone to explore the theme of Spaceship Earth and how we can all live like astronauts for the good of planet Earth.

READ MORE
The Leddie to host its first ever Wellness Retreat

The Leddie to host its first ever Wellness Retreat

The Leddie, Aberlady’s boutique hotel and restaurant, in partnership with WanderWomen, will host its first-ever wellness retreat, Spring Equinox Awakening, from 15th to 16th March.

READ MORE
Football Fundraiser set to score big for Disability Charity

Football Fundraiser set to score big for Disability Charity

A HIGHLY anticipated charity football match is set to bring together property professionals and football legends in a bid to raise £20,000 for an inclusive outdoor space.

READ MORE
Jason Connery Invests 1 Million in Lost Shore Surf Resort

Jason Connery Invests 1 Million in Lost Shore Surf Resort

Jason Connery, filmmaker and son of the legendary Sean Connery, has invested £1 million in Lost Shore Surf Resort, marking a significant post-launch boost for Europe’s largest surf park.

READ MORE
Thousands of preloved books for children to find new homes through Asda instore donation points in Scotland

Thousands of preloved books for children to find new homes through Asda instore donation points in Scotland

The initiative enables customers across the UK to donate pre-loved children's books in-store, for onward gifting to families with fewer books of their own.

READ MORE
Eat Out Edinburgh announces 2025 venue lineup and exclusive supper clubs

Eat Out Edinburgh announces 2025 venue lineup and exclusive supper clubs

Eat Out Edinburgh, the highly anticipated city-centre restaurant festival run by Essential Edinburgh, today reveals the full list of incredible dining offers running throughout March.

READ MORE
M&S Food reopens at Edinburgh Waverley Station after transformation

M&S Food reopens at Edinburgh Waverley Station after transformation

The M&S Food store at Edinburgh Waverley Station has reopened to passengers following a complete transformation by food travel experts SSP Group.

READ MORE
Cineworld is the best place to enjoy both new Captain America and Bridget Jones movies

Cineworld is the best place to enjoy both new Captain America and Bridget Jones movies

Set to be this year’s Barbenheimer, the two hotly anticipated films will be shown across a range of formats at Cineworld, where spectacular offers and merch will make your date night unforgettable.

READ MORE
Miffy x Bubbleology carrot cake bubble tea comes to Edinburgh

Miffy x Bubbleology carrot cake bubble tea comes to Edinburgh

Miffy, the classic children’s character created by Dick Bruna, is teaming up with the UK’s leading bubble tea brand, Bubbleology, for an unmissable springtime launch.

READ MORE
Marstons is going marmalade mad in celebration of Paddington in Peru

Marstons is going marmalade mad in celebration of Paddington in Peru

To celebrate the Home Release of Paddington in Peru, Marston's has created a limited-edition marmalade-inspired children's menu, which will be available in over 250 Marston's pubs nationwide!

READ MORE
Restoration work begins on the John Byrne dome at the Kings Theatre

Restoration work begins on the John Byrne dome at the Kings Theatre

Capital Theatres embarks upon expert conservation work to protect and restore John Byrne’s iconic dome design as part of the King’s Theatre redevelopment project.

READ MORE
Scots charity calls on young Scottish poets for national campaign

Scots charity calls on young Scottish poets for national campaign

Communities across Scotland are being invited to make a visible show of support for LGBTQ+ young people this Purple Friday.

READ MORE
Three captured Lynx thriving at Edinburgh Zoo

Three captured Lynx thriving at Edinburgh Zoo

Three lynx illegally released in the Cairngorms are doing well, having completed their 30 day quarantine at the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s (RZSS) Edinburgh Zoo.

READ MORE
Next generation of professionals are on the UP

Next generation of professionals are on the UP

DLA Piper returns to 2025 with more rewarding network events for next generation professionals following resounding success last year.

READ MORE
Celebrate in STYLE at St James Quarter this Valentines Day

Celebrate in STYLE at St James Quarter this Valentines Day

St Valentine might be the patron saint of love, but St James has got your celebrations covered.

READ MORE
Perth Ski School invites Edinburgh ski enthusiasts to hit the slopes this Spring

Perth Ski School invites Edinburgh ski enthusiasts to hit the slopes this Spring

Edinburgh families have an exciting new option for children's and adults ski lessons this year, following the opening of Perth Ski School.

READ MORE
From Barra to Buenos Aires: Worldwide Gaelic celebration just around the corner

From Barra to Buenos Aires: Worldwide Gaelic celebration just around the corner

The Gaelic language is set to be celebrated around the world in less than two weeks' time as Seachdain na Gàidhlig, World Gaelic Week, gets set to return from 24th February - 2nd March.

READ MORE
The Rocky Horror Show tour smashes records

The Rocky Horror Show tour smashes records

The Rocky Horror Show has once again cemented its status as a cultural phenomenon, with the 2024/2025 tour being the most successful ever staged in the show's 50+ year history!

READ MORE
Forever Edinburgh invites residents to fall in love with their city

Forever Edinburgh invites residents to fall in love with their city

This Valentine’s Day, Forever Edinburgh is making it easier than ever for residents to fall in love with their city all over again with exclusive Resident Rewards.

READ MORE
Singer championed by Eddie Vedder announced as Roger Daltrey tour special guest

Singer championed by Eddie Vedder announced as Roger Daltrey tour special guest

Legendary rock singer Roger Daltrey has announced Linka Moja as the special guest who will be joining him on his UK tour in April and May.

READ MORE
Edinburgh Brunch Bar to Offer Free Cocktail to Customers to celebrate relaunch

Edinburgh Brunch Bar to Offer Free Cocktail to Customers to celebrate relaunch

To celebrate this exciting new chapter and share the Valentine’s Day love, Sip & Bark is offering a free cocktail to all customers on Friday, February 14th.

READ MORE
New smash burger joint opening in Edinburgh with big burger giveaway

New smash burger joint opening in Edinburgh with big burger giveaway

SoBe Burgers, the Miami-style smash-burger brand, will celebrate landing in Edinburgh on 14 February by offering a free burger to its first 50 customers.

READ MORE
Free Ben & Jerrys in Edinburgh, for those with a special name...

Free Ben & Jerrys in Edinburgh, for those with a special name...

This Valentine’s Day, Ben & Jerry’s is spreading the love – with a free sweet treat for anyone whose name is Bridget, Ben or Jerry.

READ MORE
Edinburgh Zoo welcomes two adorable capybaras in time for half term

Edinburgh Zoo welcomes two adorable capybaras in time for half term

Edinburgh Zoo has welcomed the arrival of two adorable capybaras in time for the February half term.

READ MORE
Haggis eating champion teams up with Innis & Gunn to offer one day unlimited steak frites

Haggis eating champion teams up with Innis & Gunn to offer one day unlimited steak frites

A SCOTTISH brewer is offering unlimited steak frites this Palentine’s Day – and a competitive eater has put the generous offer to the test.

READ MORE
Pioneering Scottish artist Georgia Cecile set to perform in Edinburgh this month

Pioneering Scottish artist Georgia Cecile set to perform in Edinburgh this month

Georgia is leading the jazz and soul revival in a year that is destined to be big for her.

READ MORE
Top Scottish chef opens first fish restaurant on Edinburgh waterfront

Top Scottish chef opens first fish restaurant on Edinburgh waterfront

One of Scotland’s most acclaimed chefs is opening the doors to his first independent fish restaurant on Edinburgh’s waterfront at the Shore in Leith on Wednesday 12th February.

READ MORE
Scottish architecture and design studio appointed for refurbishment of Fringe Central

Scottish architecture and design studio appointed for refurbishment of Fringe Central

Studio LBA, has been appointed as architect by the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society for the refurbishment and creation of Fringe Central, the new, year-round home for the Edinburgh Fringe.

READ MORE
Refurbished Cafe Portrait to reopen at National Galleries Scotland Portrait

Refurbished Cafe Portrait to reopen at National Galleries Scotland Portrait

On Saturday 8 February, Heritage Portfolio, the specialist events and catering company, will reopen the fully refurbished Café Portrait at the National Galleries Scotland: Portrait.

READ MORE

Sponsored Links

Fayre Play
St Mary's Music School
ATG
Edinburgh Dungeon

Sponsored Links

Scotonomics
St Mary's Music School
Escape The Past
Children's Classic Concerts
Fayre Play
St Mary's Music School
ATG
Edinburgh Dungeon

Popular Events

Phantasmagorey
An exhibition inspired by the work of the great American illustrator and author Edward Gorey (1925-2000), celebrating his centenary, is taking place at Custom House Leith from 20th-26th February.
Disco Days Edinburgh
Scotland's beloved over 30s afternoon clubbing event Disco Days is back at Club Tropicana Edinburgh in 2025!
Whisky Tasting Fellowship Rugby Edition
Whisky tasting meets pub quiz with a rugby twist in the latest instalment of the Whisky Tasting Fellowship at Uno Mas on 21st February!
Gamma PhotoForum Exhbition
Come along to the Edinburgh Photographic Society on 22nd & 23rd February for two photography exhibitions at a single venue!
The Trance Empire
The Trance Empire comes to the Liquid Rooms in Edinburgh on 16th April, showcasing the best Trance music, rising artists & local DJ talent!

Popular Listings

Corn Exchange Haddington Edinburgh Playhouse Festival Theatre Edinburgh Howden Park Centre Livingston Kings Theatre Edinburgh National Museum of Scotland O2 Academy Edinburgh The Brunton Theatre, Musselburgh Traverse Theatre Usher Hall