At a time when 16 pubs are closing every week, local beer is enjoying a renaissance amid growing consumer demand for quality, niche products away from the mainstream.Small brewers are bucking the trend in the wider industry of falling beer sales and positioning themselves as one of the country’s positive manufacturing stories, according to the Society of Independent Brewers (Siba).
“Local brewing is unusual, if not unique, as a British manufacturing industry that is increasing production and market share, welcoming new producers, generating significant employment, investing for a sustainable future and contributing economically and socially to the hundreds of localities where independent brewers are based,” said Julian Grocock, Siba’s chief executive.
The organisation boasts 651 members, who together brew almost 400m pints annually and support almost 5,000 jobs.
Last year, local beer sales rose an estimated 6.8pc to more than 1.4m, according to Siba’s Local Beer Report, while broader beer sales in pubs and restaurants fell by 4.7pc. Such growth in a declining market is offering a much-needed lifeline to Britain’s troubled pub industry.
