Beer industry in the UK - statistics & facts
The UK beer industry is still trying to regain its footing after Brexit, the COVID-19 pandemic, and now record inflation. The cost of a pint of ale or a lager is now at the highest ever level and both registered their biggest jump in price in the last year. Small breweries, in particular, have been hard hit with a decline in the number of businesses as consumers turned to cheaper alternatives. Due to lockdowns and a sharp drop in demand, production of beer in the UK dropped substantially in 2020, before rebounding in 2021. Production is hovering around pre-pandemic values but brewery closures have not substantially recovered.
Although some of the challenges facing the beer industry have passed, record inflation has left prices elevated. This coupled with the increase in consumers who are interested in reducing or foregoing alcohol consumption mean that it's still unclear as to when the UK beer industry can breathe a sigh of relief.
Trade may be stabilizing
In terms of trade, UK beer imports totaled 475 million British pounds in 2023, the first year of growth since Brexit. The Irish Republic was the single biggest trade partner in terms of beer imports. UK beer exports declined in 2023, although they remain above the lows of 2020 and 2021. Although some of the friction of Brexit may be ironed out, rising production costs have impacted price, which affects exports. The European Community is the largest trading partner for beer exports.Beer drinking habits
On average, about 68 liters of beer are consumed per capita in the UK. The most popular type of beer in the UK was India pale ale, followed by pale ale. In terms of sales, Carling lead lagers and Sharp's Doom Bar led cask ales.Although some of the challenges facing the beer industry have passed, record inflation has left prices elevated. This coupled with the increase in consumers who are interested in reducing or foregoing alcohol consumption mean that it's still unclear as to when the UK beer industry can breathe a sigh of relief.
