The growing popularity of ale in Kent has provided a welcome boost for the brewing industry.
A report by Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) has revealed that more breweries have opened in Kent over the past 12 months than anywhere else in the south east of England.
David Moore, from the west Kent branch of CAMRA, claimed the changing image of ale has helped attract a different market to the drink.
He told kentnews.co.uk: "Real ale used to [be] seen as a Northern drink for old men in flat caps, but now people want a drink brewed locally with natural ingredients.
"I have always preferred a drink that is not gassy and mass produced using chemicals. It is healthier to have beer made with raw ingredients in a local micro-brewery which is not transported for miles."
The recent growth of the popularity of ale is highlighted by figures from the British Beer and Pub Association which show that ale sales accounted for 20.6 per cent of the £17 billion beer market rose, a rise of 0.2 per cent.
Typical Guttridge equipment used in the brewing industry includes; conveyors – screw conveyors – chain conveyors – belt conveyors
