Huge slump in beer sales because of lockdown, study suggests

Beer sales have slumped by 82% since the outbreak of the coronavirus crisis, research among small independent breweries suggests.

The Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) warned that many businesses are struggling to survive.

A survey of almost 300 small breweries found that eight out of 10 do not believe the Government is doing enough to support them.

Just over half said they were unable to access any Government support, and almost a third were considering redundancies.

With pubs, bars and restaurants closed, the main route to market for independent breweries has been cut off, leading to two-thirds of them stopping production, said SIBA.

Chief executive James Calder said: “Unlike the global beer brands who can supply supermarkets in great volume, small independent breweries sell the majority of their beer through pubs, bars and restaurants, meaning the lockdown measures have hit them much harder.

“While many have launched local delivery services or online shops to try to stay afloat, the increase in online sales is a drop in the ocean compared to the overall decrease their beer sales have seen.

“Pubs, bars and restaurants have been receiving help from the Government, but none of the same schemes apply to our small breweries who saw their sales fall off a cliff almost overnight. They urgently need a package of measures to keep them going otherwise many won’t be able to reopen.”

The trade association is working with the Campaign for Real Ale on the Pulling Together initiative, which links independent breweries and pubs offering beer delivery and takeaway services with beer lovers across the UK.