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Europe/Russia
United Kingdom | What is James Watt getting up to now? The BrewDog co-founder said on 15 July that he has made an offer to US firm Tilray to buy back the craft beer business months after its collapse under a debt pile of more than GBP 500 million (USD 670 million), leading to hundreds of job losses. At its peak, BrewDog had four breweries, about 100 bars worldwide and was said to be worth about USD 2 billion.
Europe/Russia
Denmark | The Carlsberg Group entered into an agreement with Japan’s Sapporo Breweries to form a joint venture across Southeast Asia and Hong Kong, on top of a partnership in the UK, the Danish brewer announced on 6 July.
Europe/Russia
Germany | The Federal Ministry of Finance plans to raise taxes on certain alcoholic beverages by 20 percent, effective 1 January 2027. A spokesperson confirmed (2 July) that a corresponding bill has been drafted. It would affect spirits as well as sparkling wines, fortified wines, and alcopops, but not beer.
Europe/Russia
Germany | The federal government plans to bring forward the introduction of a sugar tax on beverages by one year, to 1 January 2027. The German beverage industry is up in arms, calling it a “blow to hundreds of small and medium-sized businesses” who would have to stomach the tax themselves, unable to pass it on to retailers.
Europe/Russia
Germany | Alexander Egger will not erect his tent at this year’s Oktoberfest. Although the restaurateur had been awarded a contract for a tent site by the Munich city council, he did not return the signed contract by the deadline (3 July). He had hinted several times that a small tent like his, which seats 400 people, would be difficult to operate profitably. Mr Egger remains tight-lipped about the exact reason for this surprise withdrawal.
Europe/Russia
The Netherlands | The Dutch brewery Grolsch, which has been part of the Asahi Group since 2016, is taking over the family-owned Gulpener brewery in Limburg in its entirety, media reported on 2 July. Grolsch already held a 15 percent stake and is now acquiring the remaining shares from the Rutten family, bringing an end to the company’s independence after about 200 years. Both parties emphasize that the Gulpen brewery with its 60 employees will continue to operate. The transaction is primarily about pursuing synergies in sales and purchasing. Financial details were not disclosed.
Europe/Russia
United Kingdom | In its latest report on the UK beer industry, CAMRA revealed that between 2000 and 2024 on-premise beer prices increased by 118 percent, slightly above the Retail Price Index, while off-premise beer prices rose by only 27 percent, the increases often being applied to the same brand.
Europe/Russia
United Kingdom | Campaigning for pubs, pints and people since 1971, CAMRA is a consumer group representing beer drinkers and pubgoers. As consumers, they are angry. Evidence in the report shows what they have known to be true for a long time: that the decline in UK beer consumption is partly the effect of anti-competitive practices by the Big Brewers and the pubcos, which have been flooding the market with uniform beers. Not only have they prevented independent brewers from market entry and effectively limited consumer choice, they have also taken to fleecing consumers.
Europe/Russia
United Kingdom | Tilray Brands, the new owner of Scottish brewer and pub operator BrewDog, said they have spent more than GBP 50 million (USD 67 million) in order to stabilise the floundering company. Regardless, Irwin Simon, CEO of Tilray Brands, told The Times newspaper (28 June) he was “really happy” his firm acquired BrewDog.
Europe/Russia
United Kingdom | Damm UK, known for its Estrella Damm lager, delivered strong growth for the Spanish brewing group in 2025. Value and volume sales were up 19 percent across its beer, water and soft drinks portfolio, thanks to its private label and contract manufacturing business, which surged by 34 percent. Sales in the UK represented 578,000 hl – out of the 22 million hl total for the group, media reported on 26 June.
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