Brewer’s hangover

SPITFIRE and Bishops Finger owner Shepherd Neame brewed less beer and cider after losing a major contract.

The total volume of beer produced fell by 36,000 barrels in the 26 weeks to December 29, dragging revenues for the brewing division 31.4pc lower to £22.2m.

A total of 32,000 barrels related to the loss of a contract with Japanese rival Asahi and a number of private label contracts it had with supermarket Lidl.

Britain’ s oldest brewer swung to a £4.1m loss, compared with profits of £5.5 ma year earlier.

Total revenue fell 9.1 pc to £76.5m.