CRAFT brewers like Coniston and Hardknott in Millom will have their handiwork recognised by a new initiative which awards a seal of approval to authentic artisanal and locally made products.

The stamp will be given to ales and beers made by small microbreweries to show customers that the product they are buying is authentic and not the work of a multinational.

The Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) represents more than 850 businesses including Hardknott and Coniston Brewery and hopes the initiative can champion a push towards supporting local industry.

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Dave Bailey is the head brewer and joint owner of Hardknott.

He said: "There's a lot of global multinationals jumping on the bandwagon and passing off mass produced beer as if it was craft.

"There are massive differences between them and us.

"The mass produced brands found in supermarkets and pubs are so homogenised that there is not really a difference between one or another and no individuality.

"Craft beers are made with many flavours and have their own identity and aromas, it's like buying a supermarket loaf of bread or a freshly made bakers loaf."

The 51-year-old described the scheme as "a really great initiative" and praised the work of SIBA in keeping industry standards high and recognising the hard work and passion of local brewers.

In order to qualify for the stamp of approval breweries must be truly independent of any larger controlling brewing interest and must pledge to abide by SIBA’s code of conduct.

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Ian Bradley is the owner of Coniston Brewers and has been in the industry more than 20 years, following in the footsteps of his parents, the former landlords of the Black Bull, Coniston.

He said: "It's a good idea because some of the bigger breweries have realised that the market for craft ales is substantial so they have started to make products to seem like they are micro-brewed.

"This is an issue for some smaller breweries but at the end of the day, the customer will decide.

"People are putting passion into the beer and lots of thought into it whereas big brewers will brew to cost."

The 47-year-old recommends lovers of beer and ale sample the skilled work of local microbreweries to taste the difference between the products.

So far, more than 150 of SIBA's brewing members have pledged their support for the scheme and are committed to using the logo in their future marketing.

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