Local brews are driving force of cask ale revival
The strongest evidence yet of a cask-ale revival has come from the Society of Independent Brewers Association (SIBA) which claims beer volumes of member companies are projected to show a 15% rise over the last year.
The association's Brewing Industry Report 2006 predicts production of real ale will return to growth within the next 18 months - a full year ahead of original estimates.
Local brewers' share of the cask-ale market is now estimated at 20% with more than half the independents reporting volume gains of more than 10% over the past 12 months.
A crucial element to the revival has been SIBA's Direct Delivery Scheme agreement with the large pubcos which makes local beers available to thousands of tied licensees for the first time. It's all about local beer for local people. SIBA chairman Keith Bott
SIBA believes its 2006 report, compiled from its 550 brewer and beer supplier members, is the most comprehensive analysis yet presented as it covers parts of the on and off trade for the first time.
Chairman Keith Bott said all the signals pointed to strong demand by licensees for locally brewed beer.
He said: "It's all about local beer for local people. There is a definite demand for cask beer if the right opportunities are presented to licensees."
SIBA said apart from the growth in pubco business through the direct delivery scheme, genuine free trade volumes are also on the increase and confidence for the coming 12 months is high on the back of increased consumer interest in local food and drink.
Campaign for Real Ale chief executive Mike Benner said:
"The report shows that people do want quality tasty beers and pub chains who currently have barred the doors of their pubs to local brewers should take note.
"There is a market for these beers and both licensees and customers want to see local beers on the bars of their pubs."
