JOHN Lovett, owner of Oxfordshire Ales brewery, and his head brewer Steve Goryll are toasting success after signing up their first importer in the US.
The company’s Pride of Oxford brew, described as 'easy drinking, fruity and vibrant', won the Best Golden Ale category at the 2009 World Beer Awards earlier this year.
The American market is one of the largest in the world, but one of the most difficult for exporters to penetrate, according to UK Trade and Investment, which has been advising Mr Lovett.
However, the brewery based on the outskirts of Marsh Gibbon, on the Buckinghamshire/Oxfordshire border, is optimistic that it is on the verge of cracking it.
Lizzie Lewis, of Oxfordshire Ales, said: “There have always been a few diehards in America who are interested in craft beer. Now, just like here, it is going through a resurgence.
“And of course, they like all things English.”
Oxfordshire Ales is now looking at other new overseas markets, and has sent consignments of beer to agents in Spain, Brazil and Italy.
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