Q3 2019

Q3 2019 | 27 What’s brewing for the craft beer industry? of time training people, including e-learning or having a beer specialist in each pub. “We do a taste test on 500 to 600 beers and score them on six categories, and a beer has to score highly in each of those categories for us to sell it.” SIBA’s review of the industry proves sober reading on some levels. There’s worry over whether the Small Breweries’ Relief (SBR) incentive by the Government will be curtailed. It currently has a maximum legally permitted level of 50% duty relief for all brewers below 5,000hl. There are calls on Whitehall for reforms to encourage growth in the sector but fears that it could see duty relief withdrawn for the smallest brewers who rely on SBR. Caroline Nodder, Editor of SIBA British Craft Beer Report 2019, has examined the direction of the industry in detail. Caroline said: “All evidence points towards a shift in drinking habits towards quality, and away from the volume drinking of years gone by. “It will come as welcome news to the independent brewers who produce flavoursome, interesting craft beers. There is also a need for creating an experience around beer – whether that is tasting flights of beers, pairing beer with food, running interesting one-off events or games tournaments. “We’re seeing brewers be more adventurous in what they offer young beer drinkers – in response to the trend for drinking less, but better.”