A leading brewery executive has called on the British beer industry to “hold its nerve” in the face of rising costs and falling sales.
Recent statistics showed beer sales in November 2007 had fallen 10 per cent year-to-date, leaving industry experts fearing a tough 2008.
Rupert Thompson, managing director of Refresh UK, which owns the Wychwood Brewery, said: “It would be too simplistic to say there is a light at the end of the tunnel. It is very tough right now. But the pub going tradition is entrenched in our culture and it will be around for a lot longer.
“We just have to hold our nerve as an industry and keep positive.”
Refresh’s flagship cask ale brand is well respected Hobgoblin.
