The UK's beer industry is facing a sobering reality as new figures reveal a dramatic slump in sales, with consumers cutting back on alcoholic beverages amid the ongoing cost of living crisis.
Supermarket Sales Take a Hit
According to the latest data from research firm NIQ, beer sales in British supermarkets and off-licences dropped by 6.5% in the four weeks leading to mid-June. This significant decline highlights how households are reducing discretionary spending as food and energy bills continue to climb.
Pubs Feel the Pinch
The hospitality sector isn't faring any better. Sales through pubs, bars and restaurants fell by 4.5% during the same period, indicating that even social drinking is becoming a luxury many Britons can no longer afford regularly.
Brewing Giant Sounds Alarm
Heineken UK, one of the country's largest brewers, has raised concerns about the sustained pressure on the industry. The company noted that while the good weather in June provided some temporary relief, the underlying trend remains worrying for brewers and publicans alike.
Wider Alcohol Market Struggles
The downturn isn't limited to beer alone. The broader alcohol market has contracted by 4.5% year-on-year, suggesting that consumers are making cutbacks across all types of alcoholic drinks as they prioritise essential spending.
Industry Calls for Support
Trade bodies are urging the government to consider support measures for the struggling sector, warning that continued decline could lead to further pub closures and job losses across the brewing and hospitality industries.
