FULLER’S SCORES TWO AWARDS AT THE WORLD BEER CUP & TOP HONORS AT THE BRITISH PUB INDUSTRY’S OSCARS

LONDON… Beer lovers on both sides of the pond are honoring Fuller’s as the brewer of choice. Last week in the United States, Fuller’s won two gold medals at the bi-annual Brewers Association World Beer Cup, the pinnacle of international recognition. Back in Britain, Fuller’s was chosen as the best regional brewer at the Oscars of the flourishing British pub industry, the Publican Newspaper Awards. This coveted honor signifies Fuller’s top spot amongst fellow British brewers, as voted by pub industry trade publication, The Publican.

At the World Beer Cup, Fuller’s ESB, the beer on which a whole style of beer in the USA was created, was voted the best ‘English-style Extra Special Bitter’. Not to be outdone, Fuller’s Vintage Ale, a special edition 8.5% ABV brew, was awarded the gold medal in the ‘Old Ale’ category.

“To win two awards at the prestigious World Beer Cup and to be the toast of the talented British brewing industry is a wonderful honor,” said John Roberts, Fuller’s beer and brands director. “It has been a fantastic year for Fuller’s, and these wins represents a brilliant reward for everyone’s efforts.”

The Publican Awards are not merely a popularity or taste contest. Brewers are judged through a vigorous process, which includes mystery visits; interviews with management covering five key areas: training, customer service, marketing, financial stability and competitive differentiation; and a two-day intensive Q&A session with a panel of judges consisting of representatives of The Publican, sponsors, market sector analysts and industry experts.

The Brewers Association Beer World Cup, presented on April 14 at the Washington State Trade & Convention Center in Seattle, Washington, is a global competition that evaluates beers from around the world and recognizes the most outstanding beers produced today. The 2006 awards saw a 42% growth in entries, with a record 2,221 entries from 540 breweries in 56 countries.