The number of breweries in the UK breweries that closed in 2023 grew by 82%, rising from 38 in 2022 to 69 by the end of December. The reasons for the sudden spike in closures seems to mirror those in the US where an increase in cost of goods, reduced consumer spending due to inflation and changing consumer drinking habits all had an impact on craft breweries.
An increase in alcohol taxes has also had an impact on the higher-end alcohol products, with consumers tending to move away from purchasing more expensive craft and higher alcohol craft brands. Unlike the US, Britain taxes beer on alcohol strength.
The numbers were compiled by an independent audit firm Mazars and not by any trade or government associations.
More on the story here.