Celia is traditionally batch brewed by Žatecky Pivovar, a microbrewery co-owned by the Carlsberg Group.
The brewery was established in 1801, and is located in the castle walls of Žatec.
Carlsberg will import two Celia beers to the UK: Celia Organic and Celia Dark.
The beers are gluten free and suitable for vegans (they are brewed using a patented de-glutenisation process, and a silicon filtration technique ensures the range is suitable for vegans).
A natural carbonation process is used to give the beers a light mouth feel, adds Carlsberg.
Liam Newton, vice president marketing, Carlsberg, said that being gluten-free gives the brand a point of difference and taps into current consumer trends.
Celia Organic and Celia Dark
- CELIA Organic: a 4.5% organic Czech lager containing 100% Saaz hops and Moravian malt.
- CELIA Dark: 5.7% ABV dark lager, using 100% Saaz hops, and Toffee Bavarian malt and sand-filtered water from the Žatec foothills.
Carlsberg UK’s existing premium portfolio includes the Backyard Brewery range (imported from Sweden), Carlsberg’s Herefordshire craft cider Bad Apple, Belgian Abbey beer Grimbergen and Spanish beer Mahou.
In January the Brooklyn Brewery craft beer range will be added to the portfolio.