UK: Carlsberg UK launching gluten-free Czech lager Celia

Carlsberg UK is extending its portfolio of premium beers with Czech lager Celia which also taps into demand for gluten-free products, Bar Magazine reported on October 20.

The UK business is introducing Celia Organic, a 4.5% ABV beer made with 100% Saaz hops and Moravian malt, and Celia Dark, a 5.7% ABV dark lager, using 100% Saaz hops and Toffee Bavarian malt plus sand-filtered water from the Žatec foothills.

They are produced at Žatecky Pivovar, which dates back to 1801 and is housed in the castle walls of the town of Žatec in the north of the country. It is one of several microbreweries co-owned by the Carlsberg Group around the world.

Both beers are brewed using a patented de-glutenisation process while a silicon filtration technique means the range is also suitable for vegans. In addition, a natural carbonation process is used to give the beers a light mouth feel without compromising on taste.

Liam Newton, vice president for marketing for Carlsberg UK, said: “Celia Organic and Celia Dark are quality Czech beers, loved by beer drinkers for their exceptional flavour and ability to perfectly complement good food.

“The fact that they are brewed to be gluten-free gives the brand an added point of difference – particularly relevant given current consumer trends, which is why we are delighted that Celia will be joining our beer portfolio.

“We are very much looking forward to working alongside the iconic brewery, helping to reach many more people with these exceptional beers.”

Celia will join Carlsberg UK’s existing premium portfolio, which includes the Backyard Brewery range imported from Sweden, Carlsberg’s Herefordshire craft cider Bad Apple, Belgian Abbey beer Grimbergen and Spanish beer Mahou.

This will be further bolstered on January 1 when the Brooklyn Brewery range will join the portfolio as part of an exclusive UK distribution agreement with the New York City craft brewer.

In free-trade bars and pubs, Carlsberg UK now manages its premium portfolio through its brand and sales division, House of Beers, which is dedicated to helping world, craft and speciality beers and ciders reach more consumers and provides specialist sales support to customers operating premium pubs, bars and restaurants across the UK.

20 October, 2016