About DDS

Definition of SIBA DDS

SIBA: the Society of Independent Brewers – a trade association of the majority of brewers in the UK

DDS: the direct delivery scheme is a wholly owned subsidiary company of SIBA working to improve local brewers’ access to consumers

THE DEMAND

Consumers’ demand for locally produced food and drink is at an all time high. This is food and drink made, delivered and consumed within a 40 mile radius of its production. Beer is produced by over 400 local brewers throughout the UK; on average every pub or shop has 10 local breweries available for supply. The vast majority of brewers are micro businesses creating few food miles whilst serving the community around them.

THE PROBLEM

Multiple retailers (pub groups and supermarket chains) own the majority of retail outlets and control what is sold in them. They wish to deal with as few suppliers as possible, create the minimum of documentation, employ state of the art technology and use a centralised distribution network.

THE SOLUTION

SIBA’s Direct Delivery Scheme (SIBA DDS) is the single point of contact for the multiple retailer. SIBA DDS produces one consolidated document per day for hundreds of orders and deliveries. All administration is electronic by internet. All deliveries are made by supplying brewer from to direct to the outlet.

THE RESULT

5 pub groups and 2 national Off Trade chains have 4,200 outlets served by over 1500 brands of beer from more than 300 brewers. Consumers like it!

BBC Radio 4 listeners voted SIBA DDS as Best National Retail Initiative in the Food and Farming Awards 2007