Real ale sales on the up

Bottled ales are increasing in popularity in the UK according to the latest industry research.

The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA), reported that real ales were becoming more popular than lager in the off-trade despite their greater cost and more complex flavours.

Real ale’s market share increased from 20.4% in 2008 to 20.6% last year, the research found. While lager still dominates, its share slipped from 74.5% to 74.3% over the same period.

Tax breaks given to regional microbreweries during the 1990s was also cited as a reason behind the growing interest in real ale. There are now 700 real ale producers in the UK – the highest number since the Second World War.

AC Nielsen reported that supermarkets are increasingly turning to real ales as cheap lager sales drop away. Sales of ales in bottles increased 6.6% last year while canned lager sales fell 1.4%.

Tesco has increased its ale range to 350, up from a mere 20 a couple of years ago.

Iain Low, spokesperson for the Campaign for Real Ale, told The Daily Telegraph that consumers were returning to traditional products because of their moderate strength – often below 4% abv.

"Real ale is a naturally-refreshing drink. People are realising it is healthier than other types of alcohol," he explained.

Rupert Millar, 15.09.2010