Pioneering specialty beer company Innis & Gunn today announces the formation of its US operational arm, Innis & Gunn USA, Inc. The new company, led by Dan DeLuca, will be responsible for the distribution and marketing of the Innis & Gunn range as the US becomes a key focus for securing the brand’s continued growth. Figures for 2009 released next month are expected to show a 30% YoY rise in turnover for the Scottish beer company.

Currently, the US accounts for 3% of Innis & Gunn sales, but with the craft beer category in the US making up 16% of the total US beer market, the opportunity for Innis & Gunn is enormous. The distinctive taste derived from Innis & Gunn’s unique maturation and fermentation process, combined with the brand’s Scottish roots, has already proved popular in North America – it is the best selling British bottled beer in Canada and response from US consumers to date has been extremely positive.

Structuring the new operation and managing the route to market is new Managing Director Dan DeLuca, who joins Innis & Gunn USA, Inc. from International Beverage. His 17-year experience in managing major distributors, launching numerous beer and liquor brands and marketing a wide range of Scotch whiskies to core Innis & Gunn target drinkers will be invaluable as the new company plays a vital part of Inns & Gunn’s continued success.

Commenting upon his appointment and the task ahead, Dan DeLuca said: “The respect Innis & Gunn has here amongst people who really know their craft beer is immense and the appetite for better and more interesting beer amongst US consumers is growing all the time. All compasses point to a truly exciting few years as we introduce many new drinkers to the distinctive flavors that Innis & Gunn’s oak ageing process imparts upon the beer.”

On the new company, Dougal Sharp, Managing Director, Innis & Gunn Brewing Company said: “Gaining a strong foothold in the US is an integral part of our growth strategy as we look to write the next chapter in Innis & Gunn’s success story. The market conditions are perfect, the product is perfect and now we have the perfect man in the job to lead the new set-up. Dan’s track record speaks for itself and we’re thrilled to have him as part of the team.”

“Our revenue from exports accounts for around two-thirds of our turnover. With the US growth plans, our ambition of making Innis & Gunn as synonymous with Scotland as any malt whisky brand comes one step closer.” Added Dougal Sharp.

Innis & Gunn has three core products in its range: Original, Blonde and Rum Cask, as well as many Limited Edition beers. It is available in seven countries globally (UK, US, Canada, Ireland, Finland, Sweden and Norway).