Brits warned to brace for higher alcohol prices from next week January 28, 2025 On February 1 new duty rates on wine and spirits will come into force, meaning a rise in price for most alcohol. Under a new sliding system of duties, wine with a higher abv (alcohol by volume) will see the biggest price increase, with the duty on a 14.5 per cent abv wine to rise [...]
More good news for pubs as December splurge delivers crucial growth January 22, 2025 A rush of pubgoers in the last two weeks of December brought much-needed growth across the industry in a “big relief” for businesses. Pub sales were up 4.7 per cent ahead of December 2023, while bars bounced back from soft trading throughout most of 2024 to post growth of 1.3 per cent, according to the [...]
Budget could destroy seventh-generation pub giant, warns boss November 18, 2024 The changes announced in the Budget represent an ‘existential threat’ to the future of a seventh-generation pub and brewing giant, its owner has warned. William Lees-Jones, who owns and runs Manchester-based JW Lees, which has produced real ale since 1828, has warned he is now “facing the very real prospect that we will never be able to [...]
Employer National Insurance hike a ‘significant burden’ and will impact working people, warns Thwaites November 12, 2024 The hike in employer National Insurance contribution (NICs), which was revealed by Chancellor Rachel Reeves in her Budget, will place a “significant burden” on historic brewer, pub and hotel owner, Daniel Thwaites, the company has said. The Lancashire-headquartered group added that the increase, together with the rise in the National Living Wage, “make it less [...]
Budget 2024: Warning pubs and breweries could face extra £310m bill October 25, 2024 Pubs and breweries could face an extra £310m bill after the Budget, an industry lobby group has warned. The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) has warned Chancellor Rachel Reeves that a hike in business rates and beer duty could leave Britain’s drinking spots struggling. Additional costs could stifle growth and threaten jobs, with some [...]
Brewdog: James Watt ‘frustrated’ as brewer loses almost £60m October 16, 2024 Brewdog remains in the red despite a sharp uplift in its sales during its latest financial year, founder James Watt has revealed. In a post on social media, the former CEO said the Aberdeenshire-based business increased its revenue by 14 per cent to £366m in 2023. He added that it cut its operating loss to [...]
Marston’s in ‘strong’ position as pub chain outperforms market October 9, 2024 Pub operator Marston’s has reported sales growth ahead of the wider market and said its profit this year will be in line with expectations. The FTSE-listed firm told markets this morning that total retail sales for the 52-weeks to 28 September were 5.8 per cent higher than the prior year, with growth in like-for-like sales [...]
Asahi: Peroni and London Pride brewer slips further into the red October 7, 2024 Japanese beer maker Asahi, whose brands also include Peroni, saw its UK division slip further into the red during its latest financial year. The London-headquartered arm posted a pre-tax loss of £14m for 2023, having also lost £6.3m in the prior 12 months. Asahi UK last reported a pre-tax profit when it achieved a total [...]
Ab Inbev: Budweiser, Stella Artois and Corona producer continues to make huge loss despite price rises September 30, 2024 The UK arm of Ab Inbev, which brews Budweiser, Stella Artois and Corona, continued to make a substantial loss during its latest financial year despite raising its prices. The London-headquartered division not made a pre-tax profit since the £40.9m it reported in 2020. Since then the business has lost £6.4m in 2021, £89.5m in 2022 [...]
Adnams: Ghost Ship is ‘star performer’ as low alcohol trend continues September 26, 2024 British brewer Adnams has reported a growth in sales as its low-alcohol beers continue to gain popularity, especially in the off-trade market. In the six months ended 30 June, the beer, spirits and hospitality group posted a turnover of £31.9m, up from almost £30m in the first half of last year. It narrowed operating losses from [...]