Independent brewhouse, Saltaire Brewery, is joining forces with a US brewer to launch a new beer as well as reporting continued growth in its international sales.

The Shipley-based brewer is collaborating with Lone Pine USA in New England after having met at the Maine Brewers’ Guild’s International Beer Festival on a Northern Powerhouse-led Food is GREAT trade mission.

Less than 12 months later, the collaboration has resulted in Saltaire and Lone Pine’s new “Have a nice day” beer being on sale in both the UK and US.

Having increased its international sales, Saltaire has invested in a new brewing facility to help it deliver its side of the partnership.

Saltaire Brewery’s international growth has been supported by the Food is GREAT campaign, a cross-departmental initiative between the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs and the Department for International Trade, which showcases UK food and drink overseas to help more businesses export.

Saltaire has been supported by DIT International Trade Advisers (ITAs) who have helped it gain insight into markets with the biggest potential demand for UK craft beer. The company’s Triple Choc and IPA beers have proved to be the most popular with overseas buyers looking for something a bit different from a traditional blonde beer.

The brewery’s beers are now sold in 15 overseas markets including Singapore, Hong Kong, Iceland and Japan and this year it has already sold 125,000 pints outside of the UK.

Nick Helliwell, Sales and Logistics Director at Saltaire Brewery who was recently appointed an Export Champion, said: “Since 2017 we’ve invested more than £3m in a new brewhouse and packaging plant.

“In addition to the new brewhouse, a large part of our growth plans has revolved around exporting. Defra and DIT’s support has been fantastic. The advice we received has helped us find new partners in our target markets and carry out the due diligence needed to secure successful contracts. Thanks to the trade missions we have attended, we have been able to launch our new collaboration with Lone Pine, helping to raise our profile with potential buyers in the US.

“Exporting can come with its challenges, but the support is out there. If you’re thinking about selling overseas, you need to be prepared. Get involved, be an ambassador for your company and make the most of the opportunities. If we can find success with our Yorkshire-born beer, you can too.”

Mark Robson, Head of Region, Yorkshire and the Humber at DIT, added: “Saltaire Brewery is a prime example of a company that has researched its markets, met potential buyers face-to-face and created opportunities to secure more overseas business. Not only have they increased exports over the years, but they’re now capitalising on creative ways, including collaborations, to enter new overseas markets.

“From identifying trade missions and potential partners to providing intelligence about new countries, our ITAs are on hand to support companies from all sectors. Anyone thinking of exporting, or expanding into new markets, should get in touch with our team today.”