Greene King is rolling out 4.5-gallon cask pins this summer following a seven-figure investment.

In recent years, the nine-gallon firkin was the most popular cask ale container, but falling sales are understood to motivate the move as cask beer should be sold within three or four days of broaching the barrel to keep it in prime condition.

It brings the Bury St Edmunds-based brewer (pictured) in line with the containers used by the majority of the country’s smaller brewers.

Greene King says the introduction of the 36-pint pins will reinvigorate the sector by helping licensees deliver a range of cask-fresh beer to customers every time, while minimising wastage.

The brewer will be rolling out the cask pins to all managed, leased, tenanted and free trade customers this summer with its seasonal cask beers calendar, Fresh Cask Releases, which is a rolling portfolio of styles and flavours tailored to specific points in the year.

With the introduction of pins, customers will have the ability to manage a lower throughput at quieter times of the week, meaning less waste or risk of serving beer past its best. During busier times, pins offer the licensee the opportunity to provide a seasonal cask ale, providing a wider choice on the bar.

CGA data reports that cask drinkers are happy to pay more for a great quality pint and Greene King believes pins are another step in positioning cask ale as the premium product it should be on the bar.

Greene King head of engagement John Malone said: “The launch of pins within our business is one of many ways we are investing in the cask beer sector and in the industry. We have addressed the challenges serving this unique product can bring. Cask ale is at the heart of a great pub, driving footfall and guest loyalty.”