Beer drinkers want better labels as big brewers adopt craft image

MOST BEER drinkers want greater clarity over who is brewing their favourite tipple after an increase in the popularity of craft beer and a number of buyouts of independent breweries by global firms, a survey published today has revealed.

A poll of more than 1,000 beer drinkers by the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) showed that almost two out of three cared who brewed their beer and backed having a logo on beer pumps, bottles and cans, to identify drinks as being brewed by an independent craft brewer rather than a global beer company.

The chief executive of SIBA, Mike Benner, said: “Quality, flavoursome beer from independent British craft breweries has never been in greater demand, with more people than ever drinking more discerningly and choosing full-flavoured beer.

“This has of course attracted the attention of the global brewers, who have been buying out previously independent breweries and trying to get their own slice of this growing sector.”

Mr Benner added: “What this survey clearly shows is consumers care whether the beer they are drinking was brewed by a truly independent British craft brewer or not.”

A separate survey of 2,000 people for the Campaign for Real Ale (Camra) showed support for a freeze on beer duty. More than half said beer duty was too high at 54p per pint.

Speaking ahead of this week’s Great British Beer Festival in London, Camra’s chairman Colin Valentine said: “Pubs are a huge part of many people’s lives. If people can’t afford to visit their local, we will see even more pubs close their doors forever – hurting jobs, the local economy and the community.”