Family-Run Beer Wholesaler Supports Pubs Across West Midlands Region

Strategic Insights -

Ales R Russ, a family-owned beer wholesaler based in Cannock, has been serving the West Midlands region for the past 15 years, supplying a diverse range of beers and ciders to bars, micropubs, and beer festivals. Founded by father and son Steve and Stuart Russell in 2010, the company has grown from a small depot to a thriving business that has built relationships with pubs and breweries across the region.

Key Takeaways:

  • Ales R Russ was founded in 2010 by Steve and Stuart Russell, who were both made redundant from their jobs and decided to start their own business.
  • The company has grown from a small depot to a thriving business, now comfortably selling more than 300 or 400 barrels of beer per week.
  • Ales R Russ makes a real effort to supply micropubs and pubs in the area that are family and community-based, with all customers known by name.
  • The company has a wide range of beers from local and national breweries, including Wye Valley Brewery, Bristol Beer Company, and Sarah Hughes.
  • Ales R Russ has a passion for cask beer, which is a labor of love that requires a lot of effort, but when done right, is unbeatable.
  • The company covers a radius of about 60 miles and is expanding slowly but surely.
  • Ales R Russ is committed to helping smaller pubs and publicans, as the trade is currently in dire straits due to rising costs and lack of support.

Statistics:

  • 15 years: the length of time Ales R Russ has been serving the West Midlands region.
  • 300-400: the number of barrels of beer sold by Ales R Russ per week.
  • 60 miles: the radius of area covered by Ales R Russ, which they are expanding slowly but surely across.
  • 40 barrels: the number of barrels sold by Ales R Russ in their first week of operation.

Sources:

  • Adam Ray, "A family-run beer wholesaler is working hard to support pubs big and small across the region" (newspaper article)
  • CAPTION(S): Adam Ray, Steve and Stuart Russell with Charlie, Rhys Gittins, Ian Jeavons and Ash Raine are part of the family feeling of Ales R Russ.
  • CAPTION(S): Right: Stuart and Steve Russell have been running the company for 15 years.