Monday 22-03-2021 - 11:00

It has been brought to our attention that ‘local’ Heineken reps are trying to incentivise our consortium members to install their cellar systems (again!)

As previously stated, these systems are not approved so not compliant and there is no central deal agreed to support these installations. We must advise you against signing any individual contracts. A previous Heineken local installation in April 2019 led to NUS incurring costs to support members to extricate themselves from such a deal.

These Heineken local installs are problematic for a number of reasons: 

Heineken’s contract is up for tender very soon and they are asking you for a 5-year contract for their cellar system to force our (members) hand in terms of listing their products as a fait accompli, which is never a healthy position to be in.

They also wish to dictate which products go through their taps which is not how we work, and previously they have even tried to charge other NUS suppliers to use their taps.

This is all completely unnecessary and only adds to the product cost price which means students pay more! It also prevents you from delivering evidenced based products, utilising the market research and student data Jo Heuston shares with you.

So, if any SU has progressed with one of the Heineken systems and then Heineken are unsuccessful with their tender, it will cause all sorts of supply and operational issues for that SU.

What we need you to do

If you find yourselves in a position where Heineken approach you to install one of their systems, please let us know as a matter of urgency.

We are working hard to manage Heineken centrally and must ask that you support the consortium by refusing any local installations.

Cellar Systems

If you do need to look at a cellar system, we offer an excellent central deal with Brewfitt who will come out and survey for you. There is a capital cost involved, but you will own the equipment which enables you to remain supportive of the consortium to help create funding for NUS Charity, as together we choose the beer deals, maximise market trends and satisfy your student consumers without any one supplier gaining competitive advantage unethically.

We may also be able to support you to spread the cost of funding a system through Brewfitt, please get in touch to find out more.