There now exists 100 fewer breweries across the UK than a year ago as the appetite for craft beer fails to offset a wall of challenges faced by producers.
According to the Society of Independent Brewers and Associates (SIBA), the number of UK brewers had fallen to 1,715, against 1,815 in early 2024.
The net decline had intensified, the figures showed, after 2023 saw just eight breweries close.
However, indications had pointed to growing volumes over the last year, SIBA flagged.
“The consumer appetite for independent beer is high [...] the issue for small independent breweries is lack of access to market and rising costs,” SIBA head Andy Slee commented.
These included legacy debt from the pandemic and challenges in selling to pubs on top of already tight margins.
Citing discussions with so-called indie brewers, Slee added: “They can’t sell into enough of their local pubs and make enough of a profit to remain viable.
“Given the demand for independent beer isn’t being met locally you have to wonder whether more local beer in community pubs would help pub closure rates as well.”