Beer boom goes flat as breweries call last orders
The UK beer brewing industry is experiencing a significant decline, with a net loss of 150 breweries last year. The number of brewing companies has fallen to its lowest since 2018, largely due to market access issues and changing consumer habits. Despite these challenges, some breweries are finding success by diversifying their offerings and focusing on independent beer sales.
- ▪320 breweries closed in the UK last year, while only 170 opened, resulting in a net loss of 150.
- ▪As of April, the number of UK beer brewing companies fell to 2,320, down from a peak of 2,594 in 2022.
- ▪The beer market is contracting, particularly in traditional lager sales, but there is a growing interest in craft and heritage beers.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Beer boom goes flat as breweries call last orders11 minutes agoShareSaveAdd as preferred on GoogleEma SabljakEngland Data UnitMatt CurtisAl Wall has worked at breweries across the UK and has most recently on taken a brewery in his hometownWalking down the streets of Burton-upon-Trent 30 years ago, Al Wall could smell different aspects of the beer brewing process through the day - but those moments are now few and far between. He is the head brewer at the oldest and largest independent brewery remaining in the town that once produced a quarter of British beer, with more than 30 breweries at its peak.These days the brewing scene in Burton is a shadow of its former self, and the town is not alone. Across the UK 320 businesses shut last year, Companies House data shows.
…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at BBC News — Business.
Discussion
0 commentsMore from BBC News — Business
