8 out of 10 independent brewers support charity

The study, organised by the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) as part of its 'Brewers in the Community' initiative, also revealed that breweries are increasingly choosing local charitable initiatives, with 45% of the breweries donating money to good causes chose to support a local or village charity.

Brewers also place a significant importance on their relationship with their community, with 84% of respondents stating that this was 'important' or 'extremely important' to their business.

Taproom role

The report also found that a third of independent breweries now have a taproom, which in many cases, may have replaced a closed village pub.

Speaking about the findings, SIBA's director of membership and marketing Tony Jerome said: “These examples illustrate the varied and important roles British independent craft breweries play. In many cases, brewers play just as integral a part in their communities as the local pub.

“Raising funds, donating prizes, offering space for events, creating employment or just opening a small brewery tap are just some of the ways craft breweries support their communities.”

Essex brewery recognised 

Meanwhile, Brentwood Brewing, in Essex, has won SIBA's national ‘Brewers in the Community’ 2018 award.

The aim of the 'Brewers in the Community' campaign is to highlight the fantastic, but often underappreciated work, breweries do for charity, local people and for community causes.

SIBA’s judging panel was impressed by Brentwood Brewing’s connection to its local community and the range of activities it undertakes. It was also impressed with the brewery's commitment to local charities, to elderly residents, to its sustainability values and to supporting local businesses.