January ’09
Graham and Janet join the team – With Graham on board we were able to provide additional support to our clients during the current tough economic climate. Also, Janet took over from Jo who left to have two healthy twin boys! Janet’s previous experience of working in a variety of administrative roles enabled a smooth transition and she now managed administration and the finance side of the business.
February ’09
Warmer Wether exclusively badged for Wetherspoons – Warmer Wether was badged exclusively for the annual Wetherspoons ‘Devon Beer Festival’ and featured in all 14 of their outlets across the county.
March ’09
Celebrity endorsement for Bays Gold – Bays Gold was also endorsed by celebrity chef John Burton Race, who chose the product as ‘the perfect accompaniment’ to one of his weekly recipes in local paper the Herald Express.
More SIBA Award Wins – Further award success came in March 2009 when two Bays beers scooped major awards at the annual SIBA awards ceremony held at Tuckers Maltings. Following on form 2008’s success Bays Gold won silver and Bays Best won bronze in their respective categories, beating off well over 250 regional beers.
April ’09
New Recruit – Simon Coyle joined the team to assist with deliveries and production.
May ’09
Sponsorhip of Ashburton Blues Festival – Bays were the proud sponsors of this annual event which attracts blues bands from all over the country. Sponsorship of this ‘jazzy’ event has continued each year since.
May ’09
Sponsorship of World Record Attempt – Oooo Arrrr!! In May 2009 we sponsored the Brixham Buccanears in their attempt to break the World Record for the most pirates in one gathering. They were successful, only to be beaten in the following weeks by an American outfit.
June ’09
Devon Dumpling launched – Just in time for the summer of 2009, Devon Dumpling was launched at the Occombe Farm Beer Festival. Again customer feedback initiated this move which clearly indicated that there was demand for a strong light premium beer.
Breaker reaches final of the Sainsburys 2009 Beer Competition – From June to August over 40,000 bottles of Breaker went on sale in over 490 Sainsbury’s stores across the country spanning from Penzance to Scotland.
The ale was one of 14 beers to be shortlisted in the 2009 Sainsbury’s competition. Sadly, we did not win, however, we were the hot favourite according to the Guardian newspaper who stated it ‘’Undersells itself as another English, chestnut coloured ale (yawn), but it’s the most sophisticated beer on this list. It has a complex flavour profile, with properly delineated rich, roasted, fruity, coffeeish malt notes, but also a clean, palate-cleansing sourness. Very good.’’
Sponsorship of Occombe Farm Beer Festival – By teaming up with Geopark (Torbay’s Geological heritage organisation) a competition was run to come up with a suitable name for their special ale to be served exclusively at the Occombe Farm Beer Festival. The winning name was ‘Beert Head’!
Sponsorship Torbay Half Marathon
July ’09
Charity Ale – ‘Rowcroft Ale’ was created for two of our pubs, the Waterside in Goodrington and the Flagship in Paignton. Ten pence of every pint sold was donated to local charity Rowcroft. Both pubs combined sold a total of 4,000 pints!
September Bottle Award Wins – Bottled Breaker and Gold win Bronze Awards at the 2009 Taste of the West Awards.
October ’09
Triple Award wins at Camra Festival – Bays Best, Gold and Breaker all won top awards at the South Devon Camra Beer Festival held at the Newton Abbot Race Course. Bays Best won the Gold medal in the Bitter category and also came runner up overall. Also, both Gold and Breaker were runners up in their respective categories.
Over 100 different beers were available hand picked from different breweries all over the country.
November ’09
Devon Dumpling launched in bottles and Jingle Ale launched for Christmas
Bays Gold features on ITV’s new Drama – Our flagship product Bays Gold was seen by millions of viewers on ITV2, in their brand new show Trinity, which aired throughout Autumn 2009.
Marketing Business Award – Bays Brewery was voted runner-up for best marketing campaign at South Devon Excellence Awards.
December ’09
Devon Dumpling launched in Bottles – After numerous requests from both customers and drinkers, Devon Dumpling was made available in bottles. Just in time for Christmas, the product was being delivered to restaurants, hotels, and shops all over South Devon!