Consumers ditch lager for local brews
Britain now has more breweries than before the Second World War as consumers ditch mass produced lagers in favour of local brews, according to the Good Beer Guide 2009.
The Guide pays credit to the rise of microbrewers across the country with over 70 new breweries being established over the last two years.
"Over 70 new breweries have been founded between the 2008 and 2009 editions," said editor Roger Protz. "That follows 80 new breweries in 2006 and a further 80 in 2007. Britain now has more than 550 craft breweries and many of them are enjoying spectacular growth."
"SIBA (the Society of Independent Brewers), which represents the majority of small brewers reports that in 2007 its members saw an average increase in sales of 11% while sales of Stella Artois, the country's biggest-selling premium lager, fell by 10%.
"The reason is simple — more and more drinkers are looking for taste and character in beer rather than the tasteless fizz offered by global brewers."
"The craft brewing fraternity is no longer confined to the minnows. Major brewers, including Marston's of Burton-on-Trent and Wolverhampton, and Fuller's of West London, have applied to join SIBA despite already being members of the British Beer and Pub Association."
Protz added that long-established family regional breweries are also faring well such as Bateman's of Lincolnshire and Timothy Taylor of West Yorkshire.
"In particular, more and more consumers are concerned with how beers are made and the ingredients used.
"They prefer beers made and sold locally rather than driven thousands of miles. The success of craft brewing really fits the green, carbon-conscious attitudes of modern consumers."
