Pub company JD Wetherspoon (LON:JDW) has said it will increase its range of beverages from the UK and non-EU producers. Infact, European drinks are set to be removed from the 880 pubs as of September 26, ahead of Brexit.
Currently, Wetherspoon pubs will stop serving the German Jägermeister and French brandies Courvoisier VS and Hennessy Fine de Cognac.
The two brandies will be replaced with E&J Brandy, the second top selling US brandy, and Black Bottle, the top selling Australian label. Additionally, the herbal liqueur, Jägermeister, will be replaced by English Strika.
Moreover, the pub company has already replaced Champagne with British and Australian sparkling wine alternatives. Likewise, British labels have replaced German wheat beers.
Tim Martin, founder and chairman of the pub chain, commented: “The three new products will be offered at a lower price than those they are replacing.
“This is a significant move by us and highlights our commitment to offering an excellent range of UK and world products, with the emphasis on quality and value for the two million customers who visit our pubs each week.
“In blind tastings conducted by Wetherspoon, the new products were more popular than those they are replacing.
“We will continue to review all products over the next 24 months, with the object of making the business more competitive and offering the best choice and value for customers.
“Many commentators talk of a “cliff-edge” if the UK “crashes out” of the EU without a deal.
“In reality, there is no cliff-edge, only sunlit uplands beyond the EU’s protectionist system of quotas and tariffs.
“All EU products have UK or non-EU replacements, often at equal or better quality and price.
“It’s important to remember that 93 per cent of the world is outside the EU.”
