But could diversity offer a solution to the industry’s biggest financial challenges yet?
While progress on equality, diversity and inclusion has stalled, dismissing these issues would be short-sighted – especially given that a lack of diversity represents a significant missed business opportunity.
Though it may seem crass to frame inclusion in terms of financial gain, discussing money is a proven attention-grabber.
Diversity isn’t just about doing the right thing; it’s about reflecting society and reaping the financial rewards that come with inclusion.
Research consistently shows that diverse businesses achieve better results.
Imbalance stifles women
The beer industry provides a clear case study. Since founding Women On Tap CIC in 2017, I’ve observed the systemic gender inequality across the sector. This imbalance stifles women, fosters toxic cultures and limits the industry’s economic potential.
In 2020, the British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) reported women comprised just 22% of the workforce with only 17% in board roles and 7% as CEOs.
More recently, the 2024 Society of Independent Brewers & Associates (SIBA) Independent Beer Report revealed only 30% of employees are women, mainly in administrative or marketing roles. Just 9% of brewers are women, and women hold only 25% of management positions.
Consumer data shows a similar imbalance. According to the 2024 Gender Pint Gap Revisited report by Dea Latis, only 14% of UK women drink beer weekly compared to 50% of men. These figures are among the lowest globally, reflecting beer’s historical male-centric branding.
Over 80% of women and 75% of men believe beer advertising targets men, perpetuating an exclusionary image.
This lack of diversity stems from an industry dominated by white cisgender men, which encourages unconscious bias and “people-like-me” hiring.
Consequently, women and other marginalised groups struggle to thrive and the industry misses opportunities to attract diverse talent and consumers.
A business case for diversity
Since the pandemic, the beer industry has faced relentless challenges, from prolonged shutdowns to rising costs and squeezed margins. With limited options for further cuts, breweries must seek new opportunities – including diversifying workplaces and consumer bases.
Gender-diverse leadership has proven financial benefits. According to Professor Geeta Nargund, chair at The Pipeline, organisations performing well on gender parity are 22% more likely to improve profits.
McKinsey & Company’s 2023 Diversity Matters Even More report provides the strongest evidence yet for gender diversity in leadership.
Over the past decade, companies in the top quartile for gender diversity on executive teams have consistently outperformed their peers. In 2023, these companies had a 39% greater likelihood of financial outperformance compared to those in the bottom quartile – a significant increase from 15% in 2015.
Gender-diverse boards also cater better to diverse consumer bases, particularly in industries driven by customer preferences. This alignment often translates into higher revenue and stronger customer loyalty.
Representation is crucial. When women don’t see themselves in beer careers, they’re less likely to see themselves as beer consumers. This double-edged disadvantage means the industry loses both talent and a massive potential market – roughly half the population.
Women today have serious spending power and influence, and that’s on the rise. In fact, women are expected to control 75% of discretionary spending globally by 2028. That’s a statistic worth paying attention to.
Unlock untapped potential
The beer industry’s challenges are undeniable, but so are the opportunities presented by greater diversity. By embracing equity, the sector can unlock untapped potential, better connect with consumers, and strengthen its financial future.
Can the industry afford to overlook the commercial advantages of inclusion? The answer seems clear: equity drives equity – in every sense of the word.
- Women On Tap CIC has developed a plan to reinvigorate its gender-equality mission, introducing specific initiatives to support the industry in advancing EDI (Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) across both workplaces and consumer bases. These efforts include partnering with the Society of Independent Brewers and Associates (SIBA) to introduce a ‘Diversity Champion’ category in the SIBA Business Awards, as well as contributing to the International Women’s Collaboration Brew Day (IWCBD) campaign.
