UK loses 100 breweries as closures rise in 2025

The UK has seen a significant decline in the number of breweries, with 100 fewer operating as of January 2025 compared to the previous year, bringing the total to 1,715, according to the Society of Independent Brewers and Associates (SIBA). The closures, attributed to legacy Covid debt, restricted access to market, and tight margins, represent the largest annual drop since the pandemic's onset. Despite strong consumer demand for independent beer, small breweries struggle to remain profitable due to rising costs and limited market access. SIBA Chief Executive Andy Slee emphasizes that many brewers who have closed their doors faced challenges selling to local pubs. While the closure rate has slowed somewhat, the pressures from larger corporations and economic challenges continue to threaten the viability of smaller breweries. The landscape of independent brewing is further complicated by increased competition from larger brewers who buy out smaller companies, thereby reducing the diversity in the market.