UK: Drinkers turn to low-alcohol and craft beer

Lager sales have plummeted in the UK as drinkers turn to low-alcohol beer and craft ales, Mirror.co.uk reported on September 27.

Beck’s recorded a huge 26% year-on-year fall, with Carlsberg pilsner down 11%, Budweiser 3.8% and Carling almost 3%.

Meanwhile, low-strength beer sales have rocketed 381% in two years, according to trade journal Grocer.

And drinks specialist Majestic reports a 77% year-on-year rise for low-alcohol beer.

Majestic beer expert James Reed said: “These used to be stowed away for the occasional teetotaller or driver but the craft beer movement has changed all that. It’s a game changer.”

Market analysts Kantar found artisan ale sales rose 16.4% year-on-year, spearheaded by brands like Brewdog and Camden Town.

Budweiser said its figures looked worse because they were being compared with 2018 when it was the official World Cup beer.

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