By Clyde Mooney
Adelaide-based beverage system manufacturer, Lancer Beverage, expects to do more than $1 million in business in its first year in the USA.
Recent contracts have included an innovative cold ice tower draught beer system in the Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort, near Salt Lake City in Utah, and a complex 48-tap system installed at Haven Gastropub in Pasadena, California.
“The gastropub is distinctive in that it features a wide variety of boutique and unique beers on tap and our systems ensure they are presented in the best possible condition,” says managing director, Joe Thorp.
After opening an export office in the US earlier in 2011, several distributors have been appointed across the country and outlets in Canada and Mexico are in negotiation.
North America is largely unfamiliar with the specialised frozen fonts and manifolds commonly used in Australia.
Micro-breweries and craft beer makers are surging in popularity in America, creating a strong demand for systems that can maintain and serve multiple brands at the right temperature and in excellent condition.
“We have undertaken significant market research and believe there is a growing market [there] for our specifically developed premium product.
“Our beer systems will also deliver beer at 33 degrees compared to the 38 degrees that consumers in the USA are used to, improving the drinker’s enjoyment.”
Lancer is currently in development of an agreement with Belgian Bier Cafes across the US, jobs at Sacramento and Toronto airports, and a massive 50-tap installation at Biloxi Margaritaville Casino, Mississippi.