UK Breweries break the 1,000 mark

CAMRA reports that 1,009 breweries are now operating in the UK – the highest number for more than 70 years.

Research by the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), compiled for the Good Beer Guide 2013, shows that 158 new UK breweries opened in the past 12 months alone, and there are now more than twice as many breweries operating now compared to a decade ago.

Roger Protz, editor of the Good Beer Guide, said beer drinkers are now being offered an unprecedented level of choice: “A double dip recession has done nothing to halt the incredible surge in the number of brewers coming on stream, making the small brewing sector surely one of the most remarkable UK industry success stories of the last decade.”

Protz added: “As a ratio there is now just under one brewery for every 50 pubs in the UK, so for certain pubs who are struggling in the current climate, there is a big opportunity to tap into this exciting market and work with a local brewery.”