The Campaign for Real Ale (Camra) has accused major brewing conglomerates of misleading consumers about the "craft" credentials and geographical origins of their products, urging the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) to launch a formal investigation into the beer market. The organization claims that anti-competitive tactics by large brewers are unfairly squeezing independent breweries out of pubs.
Misleading Craft Beer Claims
In its annual Beer in the UK report, Camra highlights that seven of the top 10 selling "craft beers" in the UK are produced by just four global brewing conglomerates. Examples include Beavertown (owned by Heineken), Camden Town and Goose Island (owned by ABInBev), Meantime (owned by Asahi), and Blue Moon (owned by Molson Coors). According to Camra, this concentration undermines the authenticity of the craft beer label, leaving drinkers uncertain about what they are purchasing.
Call for CMA Investigation
Camra has formally requested that the CMA review whether small breweries are being unfairly excluded from pub taps due to the leverage of multinational brewers. These large companies often own pubs outright or have commercial agreements that prioritize their own products. Camra's chair, Ash Corbett-Collins, stated: "Ordinary drinkers are being short changed when it comes to choice and quality at the bar. Our report proves how the global players are exploiting the status quo to squeeze out independent brewers, to the detriment of ordinary publicans and beer drinkers."
Geographical Misrepresentation
Camra also flagged beers marketed as foreign imports that are actually brewed in the UK. For instance, Madri, promoted as the "soul of Madrid," has minimal connection to the Spanish capital. It was developed by Molson Coors, the parent company of Carling, and is brewed in Tadcaster, Yorkshire. Corbett-Collins added: "The government needs to step up, start taking the issue seriously, and take action that matches up to their statements about supporting pubs and the communities they serve."
Industry Response
Asahi, owner of Meantime, responded: "We believe in a diverse and thriving beer market that includes independent, regional, and international brewers, where consumers have the freedom to choose the beers they enjoy. Ownership is stated clearly on the packaging of all our brands sold in the UK." The Guardian approached Molson Coors, Heineken, and ABInBev for comment but did not receive immediate responses. The Society of Independent Brewers (Siba) previously abandoned the term "craft" in favor of "indie" beer, citing concerns that the label had become meaningless due to acquisitions of successful startups by big companies.
