CAMRA (The Campaign for Real Ale), which is recognised as one of the most successful consumer groups in Europe, has set out the case for a Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) investigation to look at how the UK market is dominated by a small number of global brewers.
In its Beer in the UK report it highlights concerns that independent brewers are being excluded from pubs and bars across the UK which is restricting choice for consumers.
It highlights that seven of the top selling ‘craft beers’ in the UK are made by four global brewers while claiming that many of the UK’s favourite continental’ and ‘import’ lagers are brewed in the UK.
CAMRA Chairman Ash Corbett-Collins, said that ordinary drinkers are being “short changed” at the bar and called for a proper market investigation to “sort this mess out.”
“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,” he said.
“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.”
CAMRA report editor Tim Webb called the fact that UK brewing is dominated by multinational corporations as a “national embarrassment.”
He added: “Brewing is a business that competition authorities need to investigate, take apart, and reassemble, so the UK can return to playing a leading role in the world of beer.”
Andy Slee, Society of Independent Brewers & Associates (SIBA) Chief Executive said that strong consumer demand for a broad range of beers from independent breweries is being stifled by the strong hold of global brewers on the market.
“As Europe’s largest beer consumer group, CAMRA are right to call for change for a UK brewing industry which is dominated by global beer giants which restrict access for British independent breweries.
“At the heart of their excellent report is a call for greater consumer choice, transparency around brewery ownership, and lower taxes for small independent breweries – which SIBA wholeheartedly supports.”
SIBA’s own Indie Beer campaign has already called for more transparency of ownership in the UK to make it easier for consumers to find beer from independent brewers, rather than global-owned craft beer brands.
The British Beer & Pub Association responded to the calls.
Emma McClarkin, Chief Executive, said that the UK beer market is the best in the world, with small independents, long-established family brewers, and many of the world’s largest brewers all having operations here.
“There has been a rapid growth in the number of brewers over the last two decades, and the range and diversity of beers is unprecedented, with many of the UK’s pubs already providing a range of guest beers to support local breweries. This is all despite the many, ongoing challenges and the sector including some of the highest beer duty rates in Europe and EPR,” she said.
“The immediate priority must be to support local pubs and brewers in how to mitigate for the heavy tax and regulatory costs, which will help all pubs and brewers continue to thrive.”