W/C 23 February: Stout
Stout continues to outperform much of the wider beer category, but pricing, supply and competition are all shifting the landscape.
Pricing pressure
The average pint of stout reached £5.28 in February, with Guinness at £5.27, according to NIQ. Guinness has risen 16% since 2023 and will increase by a further 5.2% from April. Separate analysis from digital marketing agency Tank suggests even steeper increases in some venues, with a 31% rise in Guinness pricing since 2023.
Demand remains strong
Sales rose 7.9% year on year during the third week of the Six Nations, accounting for 18.1% of total draught volumes. Stout is gaining share during key trading occasions, reinforcing its year round appeal.
Brand momentum
Diageo’s latest interim results showed double digit growth in Guinness in the UK, with the brand gaining share every week in the first half of FY26, despite wider group revenues falling. Investment into Guinness production and supply is continuing.
Supply and distribution tensions
Some operators report restricted Guinness and Guinness 0.0 orders, although Diageo maintains supply is stable. Elsewhere, a London pub dropped Beamish following a dispute with its wholesaler, highlighting friction in distribution.
Challenger activity
Independent brewers are accelerating nitro stout production, with brands such as Anspach & Hobday and Titanic reporting strong growth as operators widen range.