The next UK Pub Group Beer Tender opportunities for independent brewers are scheduled for May and June 2027. Stonegate’s direct-delivery tender is due in May, while Laine Pub Company’s annual tender is expected in June. Both processes run through The Beer Company’s supplier platform.
Registration is open, allowing breweries to register their business details, but The Beer Company is not yet accepting beer submissions. These dates reflect The Beer Company’s published information and should be reconfirmed before making plans or submitting applications.
Brewery Supply Opportunities in the UK: Which Tenders are Coming Up?
Two significant opportunities are approaching for independent breweries targeting UK pub groups.
The Stonegate beer tender 2027 will open in May 2027 for direct-delivery suppliers. Its 2026 tender has closed, and existing suppliers retain their approved products. New breweries can register their contact details to receive future invitations, but cannot submit beer products yet.
Meanwhile, the Laine Pub Company beer tender follows in June 2027. Laine operates around 60 pubs across Brighton, London and Birmingham, featuring more than 300 craft keg lines and 100 cask lines. Its beer business represents approximately 10,000 hectolitres annually. The 2026/27 tender selected 20 suppliers.
UK Pub Group Beer Tender: What Accreditation Do Brewers Need?
Accreditation is a primary requirement for breweries seeking a Laine Pub Company beer listing. Suppliers must hold either a The Beer Company audit or SALSA plus Beer accreditation to qualify.
The Beer Company audit costs £363 plus VAT annually and is recognised by all its direct-delivery customers. The audit includes assessment of the following:
- Legal compliance
- Product quality
- Health and safety
- Hygiene
- Operational standards
Successful applicants receive a certificate within 30 days, provided they meet the requirements.
However, passing the audit does not guarantee a listing or sales volumes. Businesses that source rather than brew their own beer must also arrange audits for their producers.
Stonegate’s published tender information does not specify a separate accreditation requirement, so applicants should confirm current criteria directly.
How to Supply Beer to Pub Groups
Independent breweries interested in a UK Pub Group Beer Tender should familiarise themselves with The Beer Company’s supplier process before preparing product submissions. The platform manages registration, tender invitations and product approvals through a dedicated portal.
The process generally involves the following steps:
- Create an account – Register on The Beer Company’s supplier portal and enter company and contact details. Product information should only be uploaded after the relevant tender invitation arrives.
- Review supply instructions – Read and sign the supply instructions document before proceeding.
- Follow product upload windows – Laine accepts product uploads quarterly. New beers require separate product registrations, while unapproved changes outside scheduled windows may be deleted.
The supply instructions document remains the authoritative guide for supplier requirements.
Pub Group Beer Listings in the UK: Pricing, Product Selection and Reliability
Winning a pub group listing involves more than offering a competitive price. Independent breweries must also manage product availability, ordering requirements and accurate invoicing to maintain their supply agreements.
The Beer Company’s published FAQs provide several important details. These factors matter in independent brewer pub chain supply arrangements:
- Pricing – Suppliers submit prices during tenders. Laine’s 2022 FAQ permits annual price changes but prohibits sharing agreed prices with outlet managers.
- Product selection – Seasonal beers require one fixed price. Products recording no sales for six months may face removal.
- Delivery – Undeliverable orders require amendments within two hours for Stonegate and 24 hours for Laine.
- Invoicing – Invoices must match purchase orders. Laine’s FAQ states that corrections incur a £10 charge.
UK Pub Group Beer Tender: How can brewers win business at outlet level?
Winning a UK Pub Group Beer Tender is only the beginning. Breweries can develop stronger relationships at outlet level through sales and marketing support.
Suppliers can inform pub managers about available approved products, provide point-of-sale materials and branded glassware, and organise tap-takeover events to introduce their beers.
Free stock is not permitted in managed outlets, so breweries should focus on approved promotional activities. High-volume suppliers also benefit from regular site visits and direct relationships with pub managers.
Independent breweries can explore further international trade opportunities through The Beer Post Opportunities listings. Note that suppliers should reconfirm tender dates and requirements directly with The Beer Company.