The rate of UK brewery closures is slowing, to less than one a week in the first six months of this year, compared to nearly three in the same period last year.
The net brewery closure rate from January to June 2026 was -16, compared to a total loss of 137 breweries in 2025. The figures come from the new Brewery Tracker, compiled by SIBA.
“The figures released today are a sign that brewery closure numbers may be beginning to stabilise following a number of particularly tough years,” said SIBA chief executive Andy Slee. “But for most breweries the struggles are not behind them.
“Brewing businesses which have managed to weather the storm are seeing strong demand for independent beer, but profitability is still a concern, with lack of access to pubs, high taxation, and high production costs hitting brewers.”
Last year saw record closures across the UK as breweries struggled with rising costs and lingering Covid debt. In support of independent breweries, SIBA has called for an increase in draught delief — a lower rate of duty for draught beer mainly sold in pubs. It also wants for the government to prioritise an announcement of its market access review, which is considering ways to improve access to pubs for small independent breweries in support of greater consumer choice.
Slee added: “Consumer demand for indie beer remains really strong, but getting beers on the bar is tougher than ever with brewers, on average, not able to access 62% of the pubs in their local market. Independent beer offers quality, variety, and a range of styles and flavours simply, but bars are dominated by a handful of mega-brands.”
