Beer is the most popular alcoholic drink in the world. It has been around for a very long time, and there are even entire festivals dedicated to it. The German beer festival, Oktoberfest, involves Bavarian dresses, lederhosen, music and parades of constant entertainment. A pint of beer with your loved ones is the best way to celebrate a big event.
In recent years, beer has become even more popular
Craft beer is the latest trend in the UK and US and accounts for almost a quarter of US beer sales. Beer is a billion-dollar industry, and it can make quite an impact on the economy. In 2018, sales reached a whopping $27.5 billion in the US.
In the UK, beer sales dipped a little in the early 2010s and picked back up with the rise of craft beer. There has been a lot of controversy over what actually counts as ‘craft beer’ in the UK and US. There have been debates between the Campaign for Real Ale and the industry giant Brew Dog. The definition of craft beer has not been determined, and these debates are ongoing.
There is trouble brewing
The global craft beer movement started in the US in the 1970s. The growth of the craft beer sector appears to be slowing, and fewer breweries are opening. In 2018, UK beer sales dropped by half a billion pounds. Off-trade sales from supermarkets and other outlets account for more than half of overall beer sales. Many pubs have closed in the UK over the last decade, especially after the pandemic. Less beer is consumed in our local pubs, and there is more pressure for craft brewers to sell their products.
In 2017, the UK exported 560 million litres of beer and imported almost double that. British breweries have to compete with industry giants across the world. British brewers face tough competition ahead of them. Brexit will also have an impact on the importation and exportation of beer in the UK.
There are more beers available
The variety of different beers has drastically increased in the last few years. You can choose between fruity, low-calorie, spicy, rich and traditional beers from around the world. There is a beer for you out there – if you like the taste of it.
Watch out for changes in the brewing industry as we head in the post-pandemic and Brexit era.
