By Greg Wright

Published 10th Apr 2023, 10:27 BST

Updated 10th Apr 2023, 10:28 BST

Andy Slee, chief executive of the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA), said the figures painted a more positive picture than many had predicted at a time when many businesses were facing rising raw material and utility costs.

The figures from the SIBA UK Brewery Tracker record new brewery openings and closures across the UK to provide an insight into the health of the sector.

A spokesman said: “Covering the period from the start of January 2023 to the end of March 2023, the SIBA UK Brewery Tracker shows some regions increasing their net brewery number, and overall the UK figure being down by just -4 to 1,824 on the start of 2023 – just a 0.22 per cent change and a much better picture then many in the industry would have predicted given the mounting pressures on small independent breweries.”

The total number of breweries in the UK has remained “relatively stable” in the first quarter of 2023 during a challenging trading period dominated by rising inflation, according to new industry data.

Mr Slee said: “Small breweries have a hugely positive impact on their local community, providing jobs, raising money for charity, supporting local initiatives, and providing access to the freshly-brewed local beers that are now in such demand across the UK. All small independent breweries deserve your support.”

“It is clear that demand is there from drinkers for great quality beer from local breweries, but getting those beers onto bars and into the hands of consumers can be tough in a competitive market.

"It’s the reason why so many breweries are now opening community taprooms where they can serve brewery-fresh beer direct to local people.”

The SIBA Craft Beer Report, which was launched last month, showed that 40 per cent of independent craft breweries now have a taproom, which is an increase of 10 per cent on 2022.

The report found that, on average 27 per cent of an independent brewery’s income comes from sales direct to consumers via their taprooms, brewery shop or webshop, which SIBA described as a huge increase for an industry historically heavily reliant on pub sales.

The spokesman added: “According to the SIBA UK Brewery Tracker figures, Wales leads the UK in terms of brewery growth, with their net number rising by an impressive +5 overall, whilst just over the border the West of England saw the needle swing in the opposite direction, with figures falling by -4 overall."

The SIBA UK Brewery Tracker is compiled by full-time professional staff employed by the Society of Independent Brewers and is cross-referenced by SIBA regional directors. The organisation considers a number of factors and data-sources alongside its own data analysis and extensive research, including HMRC registrations. In order to be included in the survey, each brewery must be an active business that makes beer and has its own brewing equipment.

The Society of Independent Brewers is a not for profit trade association which primarily represents independent craft breweries and supplier businesses in the UK. It recently expanded its membership remit to include international breweries, UK beer retailers and amateur homebrewers.

UK brewery numbers 'relatively stable' despite industry challenges