A shortage of glassware, triggered by rising energy costs, could lead to a dearth of bottled beer, according to one of Scotland’s largest food and drink wholesalers.
Suppliers are already facing problems getting glasses due to its energy-intensive production, with prices 80% higher this year, according to wholesaler Dunns Food and Drinks, the Guardian reported.
Consequentially, stock numbers among wholesalers and suppliers have tumbled and the shortages could soon hit the UK beer industry.
Julie Dunn, operations director at Dunns Food and Drinks said in the Guardian, “our wine and spirits from around the globe are facing ongoing struggles that will have a knock-on effect.”
She added some brewers may be forced to switch containers, although some will see this as devaluing the product, and ultimately lead them to pass the price onto the consumer.
Warning of a shortage of bottled beer in the UK follows a similar message from Germany, where small and medium-sized breweries are likely to be hardest hit.
Some brewers have already turned to cans rather than bottles to ensure a steady supplier of their beer.
Edinburgh based Vault City Brewing said it would be selling almost all of its beers in cans instead of bottles next month.