The total number of breweries in the UK has remained ‘relatively stable’ in the first quarter of 2023, according to figures released today by the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA).
The figures come from SIBA’s UK Brewery Tracker, which tracks new brewery openings and closures across the UK to give net numbers both regionally and nationally.
Covering the period from the start of January to the end of March, the tracker shows some regions increasing their net brewery number. Overall, the UK figure is down by just four on the start of 2023 — a 0.22% change.
It’s a much better picture then many in the industry would have predicted, given the mounting pressures on small independent breweries.
“It is very positive to see some areas of the UK now in growth, and a national figure which has beaten the odds to remain relatively stable, despite the challenges faced by brewers,” said SIBA chief executive, Andy Slee.
“With rising raw material and utility costs, alongside existing market access issues, far too many small breweries are closing, but the figures paint a much better picture than many predicted.
“Small breweries have a hugely positive impact on their local community, providing jobs, raising money for charity, supporting local initiatives, and providing access to the freshly-brewed local beers that are now in such demand across the UK. All small independent breweries deserve your support.”
Recent consumer polling showed eight out of ten people believe a well-run independent brewery has a positive effect on its local community. That community spirit is a sentiment shared by brewers, with 98% of SIBA brewers saying they consider their local community to be important to them.
Andy added: “It is clear that demand is there from drinkers for great quality beer from local breweries, but getting those beers onto bars and into the hands of consumers can be tough in a competitive market. It’s the reason why so many breweries are now opening community taprooms where they can serve brewery-fresh beer direct to local people.”
The SIBA Craft Beer Report, launched last month, showed that 40% of independent craft breweries now have a taproom (up 10% on 2022) and that, on average, 27% of an independent brewery’s income now comes from sales direct to consumers via their taprooms, brewery shop, or webshop. This is a huge increase for an industry historically heavily reliant on pub sales.
According to the SIBA UK Brewery Tracker, Wales leads the UK in terms of brewery growth, up by five this year. The West of England saw the needle swing in the opposite direction, down by four. Surprisingly this was mirrored in the South East, an area which has seen a huge growth in breweries in recent years.
South West and North East England each had a decline in their overall brewery numbers of two, with Scotland seeing a smaller decline, now with one brewery less overall.
It was a more positive picture elsewhere, though, with the East and Midlands regions each seeing a growth of two. The North West of England and Northern Ireland have finished the first quarter of 2023 on the same number as they started it, with any closures counteracted by new openings.
The tracker is compiled by full-time professional staff employed by SIBA and is cross-referenced by the organisation’s directors in each of the eight egions across the UK. The organisation considers a number of factors and data sources alongside its own data analysis and extensive research, including, but not limited to, HMRC registrations.
