The data has also revealed more people than ever are discovering their local brewery bar or taproom and the spirit of togetherness is shared by 98% of brewers surveyed who consider the local community to be important to them.
The SIBA Craft Beer Report 2023 features new brewery survey data, industry analysis and commentary, as well specially commissioned consumer research via YouGov.
The Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) chief executive Andy Slee said: “Our members’ sales footprint has transformed over recent years as brewers look to meet the growing local demand for quality independent craft beer.”
Sales direct to customers
He continued: “More than a quarter of independent brewer sales are now direct to consumers, with over 40% now running their own bar or taproom as well as seeing an increased trend in online sales.”
The report also highlights the challenges the industry is facing and provides a post-Covid health check for a struggling on-trade with beer sales via pubs yet to recover to previous levels.
“Beer sales are still well short of pre-pandemic levels, thanks to the stuttering recovery of the nation’s pubs and the pressures on people’s spending from the cost-of-living crisis,” Slee added.
Global control
The report shows pub visits fell sharply in the past 12 months with 20% of the population not visiting a pub at all – traditionally a critical outlet for local beers and independent breweries.
Access to pubs is also cited as a challenge for small brewers with global companies continuing to control the nation’s beer taps according to the report, which added small independent breweries lead the way in innovation yet they only account for 6% of the UK beer market.
Slee said: “It’s vital small independent breweries are able to deliver the beers the research clearly shows are in-demand, whether that’s via their own taprooms and shops or via the vital pub trade.”
The SIBA Craft Beer Report 2023 will be officially launched today (16 March 2023) at beer and brewing trade event BeerX UK in Liverpool.
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