British beer sales drop 2.4%

Support is still needed to help boost the British beer industry, according to the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA), with total sales down 2.4% in the past 12 months.

According to the BBPA’s Beer Barometer, in the 12 months to June off-trade beer sales in the UK dipped by 1.9%, and in the on-trade by 2.9%.

For Q2, total sales were 5.6% lower compared to the same period last year, with an early easter and the impact of the World Cup 2014, which boosted sales in the same quarter last year, resulting in disappointing beer sales.

Brigid Simmonds, BBPA Chief Executive said: “While we may see a bounce back in Q3, these latest figures give no room for complacency, and show that more action is needed on beer duty.

“The Chancellor has made a great start, with his three, one penny cuts, but with inflation very low, and an industry still experiencing the impact of the 42% rise under the previous Government’s escalator policy there is no doubt that more action is need to create a more sustainable future for Britain’s national drink.”

Despite a dip in sales, there are positive signs of growth in the British beer industry. Earlier this month it was reported that beer trademarks in the UK had increased by 12% in the past year, indicating an ongoing growth of craft beer brands and new products entering the market.

In 2013, the number of beer trademark requests being granted totalled 1,331. This rose to 1,485 in 2014, and it is expected to rise again at an even higher rate this year.