Beer industry in the UK - statistics & facts

The UK beer industry is still trying to regain its footing after Brexit, the COVID-19 pandemic, and now record inflation. The cost of a pint of ale or a lager is now at the highest ever level and both registered their biggest jump in price in the last year. Small breweries, in particular, have been hard hit with the number of businesses continuing to decline as consumers turn to cheaper alternatives. Due to lockdowns and a sharp drop in demand production of beer in the UK dropped substantially in 2020, before rebounding in 2021. Production and clearences have now returned, more or less, to pre-pandemic values.

Trade

In terms of trade, UK beer imports totaled 469 million GBP in 2022, another in a series of declines since the start of the pandemic and Brexit. The Irish Republic was the single biggest trade partner in terms of beer imports. UK beer exports appear to be finally returning to normal, reaching 487 million GBP in 2022, over 21 percent growth since the low in 2020. Asia is now the largest trading partner for beer exports.

Beer drinking

Adding imported beer cleared for consumption to the amount of UK produced beer totaled 45.87 million hectoliters approved for consumption in 2022, a slight decline from the previous year. On an individual level, 68 liters of beer were consumed per capita on average. The most popular type of beer in the UK was India pale ale, followed by pale ale. In terms of sales, Carling lead lagers and Sharp's Doom Bar led cask ales. Facing rising inflation, consumers anticipate changing their drinking habits at pubs and restaurants. Most consumers expect to go out less frequently and drink less rather than switching to cheaper brands, should their discretionary budget shrink.
This text provides general information. Statista assumes no liability for the information given being complete or correct. Due to varying update cycles, statistics can display more up-to-date data than referenced in the text.
Published by Jan Conway, Aug 21, 2023

Key insights

Industry turnover in the UK
7.5bn GBP
Annual beer sales volume in the UK
3.8bn liters
Annual per capita beer consumption in the UK
68L
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Editor’s Picks Current statistics on this topic

Annual beer sales volume in the United Kingdom (UK) from 2014 to 2027 (in billion liters)

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Beer annual sales in the United Kingdom (UK) 2014-2027

Most popular beer categories in the United Kingdom (UK) in 2022

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Most popular beer categories in the United Kingdom (UK) 2022

Annual volume of beer consumed per capita in the United Kingdom (UK) from 2008 to 2021 (in liters)

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United Kingdom (UK): annual volume of beer consumed per capita 2008-2021

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