UK: Number of breweries down for a second consecutive year

The number of breweries in the UK has declined for a second consecutive quarter, as rising costs and Covid-related debt offset consumer demand, the Drinks Retailing News reported on July 26.

The latest report from the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) shows a -29 net closure rate across the UK and no region in growth for the second consecutive quarter. The trade group’s UK Brewery Tracker suggests the total number of active UK breweries now stands at 1748, a -29 net drop since the end of Q1 2024. The SIBA UK Brewery Tracker takes into account all brewery openings and closures.

SIBA also reported that production volumes have now returned to pre-covid levels and cask beer production is in double digit growth.

The organisation’s chief executive Andy Slee said: “Independent brewers are reporting good sales growth and strong consumer demand, yet breweries continue to close. For most breweries the challenge is financial pressures from rising costs and market access, as well as lingering Covid debt – something SIBA has strongly lobbied Government for help on.”

On a regional basis, the SIBA figures show the Midlands were the worst hit in the second quarter 2024, with a net closure rate of -11, followed by the East and South West which each saw a -4 net closure rate. Scotland, the North East and the South West faired only slightly better, each posting a -3 net closure rate. The East and North West experienced a more moderate -1 net change, with Northern Ireland and Wales both maintaining their brewery numbers during the second quarter.

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