This year’s report delves into a number of segments across beer including average pint prices, showing craft beer prices have risen by 5.8% over the past few months.
Stout has been one of the big winners over the past year with the category’s value increasing by almost a quarter (23.9%) in 2024 and craft stout up 121.7%.
Speciality lagers are also on the rise as the category grew by more than 10% last year.
Ongoing challenges
Cask ale continues to face challenges and the report suggested innovation and better storytelling (in line with the provenance trend above) can help keep the segment relevant.
However, the lower price point of cask ale has resulted in new drinkers being attracted to the market.
According to recent YouGov data, cited by the Society of Independent Brewers & Associates (SIBA), 25% of 18 to 24-year-olds now drink cask - up almost 10% on the previous year’s figures suggesting this new audience could benefit cask and act as a gateway to other beer styles among this younger generation.
Moreover, while low & no still only makes up a small part of the beer realm, this is an area set to continue its trajectory to grow while wellness is another pattern that appears set to stay, leading to a new trend for beer that is not only low alcohol but also low-calorie, low-carb and gluten-free.
Storytelling element
With two fifths (41%) of consumers looking for local products with signals this is expected to increase, this offers an opportunity to clearly communicate provenance.
In fact, that storytelling element is another area of interest highlighted in the report as consumers are searching for positives in their purchases.
Brands that have an interesting story are likely to be increasingly attractive and sure to win customers in return.
That’s just a flavour of what’s featured in this year’s report. To find out more, access all the information here – and it’s absolutely free.
