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Bars (Drinking establishments)

UK Brewery Numbers Continue Downward Trend

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The Society of Independent Brewers and Associates' (SIBA) latest UK Brewery Tracker has reported a further decline in the number of active breweries in the UK. As of March 2025, the total number of active breweries stood at 1,641, a continuation of the downward trend reported in January. This decrease means the UK has lost 100 breweries since the start of 2024. SIBA chief executive Andy Slee highlighted the challenges faced by independent breweries, citing a lower tax burden for pubs, lower direct taxes for brewers, and greater access for independent breweries to sell to pubs as essential for the industry's recovery.

Key Takeaways:

  • The total number of active breweries in the UK has decreased to 1,641 as of March 2025, a continuation of the downward trend reported in January.
  • The UK has lost 100 breweries since the start of 2024, according to the latest UK Brewery Tracker figures.
  • SIBA chief executive Andy Slee called for lower taxes for pubs and brewers, and greater access for independent breweries to sell to pubs.
  • Small independent brewers are earning less for the beer they sell, despite prices rising in pubs.
  • The regional brewery closure figures show a mixed picture, with the South East having the biggest loss, followed by the Midlands, the East, and the North East.
  • Scotland had the next largest drop, with a 11 net closure rate, followed by Northern Ireland, the South West, and the North West posting more moderate closure rates.
  • Wales was the only region in growth, with a small increase of two breweries over the last twelve months.

Statistics:

  • 1,641: The total number of active breweries in the UK as of March 2025.
  • 100: The number of breweries lost in the UK since the start of 2024.
  • 60%: The figure showing that on average 60% of pubs within 40 miles of an independent brewery were inaccessible to them, blocking small brewery sales and reducing consumer choice.
  • 38: The net closure rate in the South East region.
  • 33: The total number of brewery closures in the Midlands region over the last twelve months.
  • 20: The number of brewery closures in the East region over the last twelve months.
  • 19: The net closure rate in the North East region.
  • 11: The net closure rate in Scotland.
  • 2: The small increase in the number of breweries in Wales over the last twelve months.

Sources:

  • Society of Independent Brewers and Associates' (SIBA) UK Brewery Tracker
  • Andy Slee, SIBA chief executive
  • Moving Annual Total (MAT) figures
  • Regional brewery closure figures

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