SIBA, the Society of Independent Brewers and Associates, says the UK had 100 fewer breweries in January 2025, compared to the same month a year ago.
The figures, from the SIBA UK Brewery Tracker, show the total number of UK breweries now standing at 1,715, compared to 1,815 at the start of 2024.
Legacy Covid debt, restricted access to market via pubs, and tight margins for small breweries are all factors in the rise in brewery closures, says SIBA.
“The consumer appetite for independent beer is high, and our indications suggest volumes for independent beer at the end of 2024 were up on 2023,” said Andy Slee, chief executive of SIBA.
“The issue for small independent breweries is lack of access to market and rising costs, making it incredibly difficult to remain profitable.
“Speaking to many indie brewers who have closed their doors over the last 12 months, it is a very similar story. They can’t sell into enough of their local pubs and make enough of a profit to remain viable.”
“Given the demand for independent beer isn’t being met locally, you have to wonder whether more local beer in community pubs would help pub closure rates as well.”
