Fear for beer: The brewing industry in an era of moderation

Warnings and opportunities | Have you noticed that a few of your friends and colleagues – or even more than a few – are drinking less, or maybe not at all? It’s not surprising. Today, abstention and drinking less, or what some call being “soberish,” is definitely on trend. Rationales for not drinking are legend, and very often understandable: Medications, health concerns, weight loss, driving, productivity at work, religious beliefs, and more. Regardless of the reason, a new era of attitudes toward alcohol consumption is clearly on the horizon, with potentially huge implications for the brewing industry.

United Kingdom | For the first time in 2024 some regions of the UK have seen their overall brewery number rise, with the overall net closure rate across the UK also slowing, according to figures released last month by the SIBA (Society of Independent Brewers) UK Brewery Tracker.

London | Leading market intelligence agency Mintel has announced key trends that will shape the global food and drink industry in the years ahead. In 2025 and beyond, expect to see more focus on blood sugar and hormone health, while food and drink will play an increasing role in mental health management. There will be an increase in diversified ingredient sourcing, while technology and agriculture will have to be more closely interlinked.

United Kingdom | On 1 August 2024, UK independent breweries have been calling on the Labour Government to confirm that the new Alcohol Duty System will be reviewed after three years, as research shows its impact on the beer brewed by more than half of breweries.

United Kingdom | Figures released by the SIBA UK Brewery Tracker at the end of July show the total number of breweries in the UK has continued to decline despite the sector reporting strong sales, with a -29 net closure rate across the UK and no region in growth for the second consecutive quarter.

Ireland | Global flavour expert, Synergy Flavours, has conducted an assessment of the flavoured beer market, using data from Innova and the consumer research platform, VYPR. Synergy presented its findings at the May 2024 International Beer Strategies Conference in Portugal, including the surprising consumer preference for bitter taste profiles in beer.

Nuremberg | On 16 July 2024, hop specialist BarthHaas presented the latest BarthHaas Report at an online press conference. It shows that the world hop acreage declined in 2023 for the second year in succession. It decreased by 3.3 percent year on year to stand at 60,641 hectares.

United Kingdom | Figures released at the end of April show the UK brewing industry post a considerable -38 net closure rate across the UK, with all regions either seeing a reduction in the overall number or remaining the same.

The great American lager comes full circle

Comeback | There’s no denying it: It’s an IPA world in the USA’s craft beer world. India Pale Ale, along with its many substyles – from Imperial, to West Coast, to New England or Hazy, to Brut, to Cold – with their uniform monotony of citrus-dominant hoppiness from Citra, Mosaic, Galaxy, El Dorado, Amarillo, and a smidgen of dank Simcoe, have enjoyed a market share of over 40 percent in 2023!

Brewery Tracker | The figures released by the Siba UK Brewery Tracker show the UK total number of active brewers now stands at 1815, compared to 1828 in January 2023.