UK: UK drinkers believe multinationals are making it hard for small brewers

A new YouGov poll shows two-thirds of the UK public believe multinational brewers are making it harder for small, independent breweries to survive — echoing calls for urgent market reform, The Drinks Business reported on August 8.

Sixty-eight percent of UK adults think large brewers are limiting the survival chances of independent breweries, according to new polling from YouGov.

The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) says the findings show public concern that market dominance is reducing consumer choice and putting local beer production at risk. The group has renewed calls for fairer access to pubs and greater transparency in the supply chain.

Pubs tied to large chains and brewing companies often cannot stock beers from outside a pre-approved list, restricting opportunities for smaller producers.

CAMRA chairman Ash Corbett-Collins said: “These results are a wake-up call for politicians and regulators to tackle anti-competitive practices and give a level playing field to independent brewers.

“We’ve been banging on for ages about how global brewing conglomerates are locking out competition and stifling consumer choice. Now the public are backing that message loud and clear. People want to drink quality, independent beer in their local pubs, but many small brewers can’t get their foot in the door.

“The market is increasingly tilted in favour of the largest companies. If we want a thriving brewing scene, we need proper reform to make access to the bar fair, transparent and competitive.”

The results reflect similar concerns highlighted in a recent db report that found that without regulatory changes and more equitable access to taps, many smaller producers risk being pushed out of the market entirely.