Data from the Bristol, Manchester, and London Craft Beer Festivals shows an increase of more than 40% in the number of lagers and fruit beers on show over the last two years. There’s also a five-fold increase in the number of black lagers this year.
The number of lagers available to taste at the events has increased by more than 40% since 2022, says organiser We Are Beer. In total, there will be in excess of 150 to taste at the festivals this year.
Of these, three styles of lager are emerging: the more sessionable lower-ABV Helles; the stronger, snappier Pilsner; and more hoppy versions of the classic-style lager.
Black lagers have also experienced a noticeable rise, with a five-fold increase in the number available to taste at this year’s festivals compared to 2023. This is likely a result of the surge in popularity of stout (Tesco reported a 35% increase in sales across the stout category last year).
Other beer trends to watch out for include a rise in radlers (a fruity shandy originating from Germany), with ten breweries showcasing them at the events this year, compared to just two last year. This reflects the growing popularity of fruit beers, with 44 on show at Bristol Craft Beer Festival this last weekend, the highest number to date.
The line-up of beers at the three festivals not only reflects these emerging trends but also more established ones, including that of no- and low-alcohol beers. Twice as many pale ales between 3% and 3.5% ABV are available in 2024 compared to last year, alongside five times as many beers at 0.5% ABV or under.
Four breweries are using the festivals to launch new 0.5% brews this year, including Wiper and True, with its new Kaleidoscope 0.5% set to join its existing non-alcoholic beer, Tomorrow, which is now its second largest beer by volume.
“For anyone wanting to identify emerging beer trends and taste new brews, our festivals are the best place to be, with more than 1,000 beers to taste and over 200 brewers from all over the globe showing beers of all styles,” said Greg Wells, co-founder of We Are Beer.
“This year the increase in the number of lagers being poured is significant and demonstrates how the craft beer sector is evolving. The emergence of black lager is also something new and, at the same time, we are very excited to see if Radlers will become all the rage in 2024 and beyond, as consumers continue to drink more mindfully and seek out lower alcohol alternatives.”
With the Bristol Craft Beer Festival having already taken place, with a record-breaking 6,000 beer fans in attendance last weekend, Manchester Craft Beer Festival will be next on 5th and 6th July, followed by London Craft Beer Festival on 9th and 10th of August.
Our Patreon supporters
Beer Today’s daily news updates are made possible thanks to our fantastic Patreon supporters. You can join them here. Please visit our commercial supporters for beer, hospitality, and services.
