The Society of Independent Brewers and Associates (SIBA) and the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) have both issued statements supporting independent brewers and eschewing the “stranglehold” global brewers have on the sector.
SIBA CEO Andy Slee said: “Being able to reach people who want local beer is the number one issue facing our independent breweries who often cannot sell to the local pubs in their community.
“These issues are across the sector, even in so called ‘freehouse’ pubs that are technically free to buy from whoever they choose.
“We know that there is lots of demand for locally produced independent draught beer alongside more global brands but consumers often can’t enjoy them in their local pub because the supply is dominated by a few globally owned breweries.
Potentially excellent news
“This is why a Government-led review into these issues is an important first step to explore the right solution for the sector, ensuring all breweries have access to sell draught beer and that consumer demand is met.
“If the Government delivers, it could be potentially excellent news for beer drinkers, local pubs and breweries of all sizes at the heart of communities across the land.”
Slee added he hopes the Chancellor will also consider increasing draught beer duty relief to 20% and maintaining the business rates relief to give a “real boost” to the sector.
SIBA launched its Indie Beer campaign last week in a bid to make it easier for consumers to discover independent breweries across the UK, with bottles, cans and beer pumpclips set to carry the Indie Beer mark.
The campaign also features a ‘Brewery Checker’ tool that allows beer drinkers to find out in seconds whether the beer they’re buying is independent, or owned by a global beer company.
Choice reduced
Meanwhile, CAMRA responded to reports of Government-led review on access to the pub market. Chairman Ash Corbett-Collins said: “One of the biggest concerns for CAMRA members, and pubgoers in general, is the lack of independent beer on bars across the UK.
“Global companies have a stranglehold on the UK pub market, which we believe denies consumers choice by reducing access to pubs and bars for independent brewers.
“This absolutely needs to be looked at by the Government but also competition authorities, both in the UK and internationally.
“That being said, we are clear the Chancellor must use Wednesday’s Budget to reduce duty on draught beer served in pubs and to maintain business rates relief to keep the nation’s locals open and independent brewers viable in the immediate future.”
