We started 2024 with fewer breweries in the UK than in 2023. Cost pressures that impact our sector have been widely reported and have been truly felt by the industry. Things like cardboard, energy, labels, CO2 and malted barley have all risen in double digit percentages in the past two years.
Even the big players aren’t immune to this, hence an increasingly competitive market making it more and more difficult for independent breweries. Of course, it’s also the case across all kinds of industries. Our friends in live music report that more than 350 grassroots music venues are now placed at immediate risk of closure, and that 72 independent UK festivals postponed, cancelled or closed in 2024, double the amount than in 2023.
The Fighting Cocks in Kingston - home of great bands, great beers and great people
It’s a constant challenge for independents like ourselves, and many of our customers in the hospitality sector, to balance trying to build sustainable, profitable businesses, paying our teams well, and keeping the can and pint prices as fair as possible for all of you.
Thank you for your excited and generous response to this year’s Caribbean Chocolate Cake release. We are incredibly proud of the beers and what a celebration this project represents this year.
You may have noticed some price increases compared to previous years. Death By C.C.C. is a pertinent example of how the recent duty changes have impacted higher abv beers. In 2021, we paid £9890.00 in duty on a full batch of the beer. This year, we paid £15,962.00 in duty, a staggering 61% increase.
So with all that in mind, we feel very lucky to have your support when making these more ambitious, higher alcohol and more complex beers.
Since opening Siren Reading in May, we’ve been able to amplify our support of independent businesses. In the past few months alone, we’ve worked with the likes of Deadlocked Escape Rooms, Makan Malaysia, Reading Biscuit Factory, a host of dellow independent breweries, such as Hook Norton Brewery, Indie Rabble and Two Flints, and not to forget our collaborative approach to sales with Red Fin Cider.
Our friends at Dolphin Brewery feature regularly at the Tap Yard, alongside a host of local businesses and food traders from our local Bouncy Castle supplier to face painters, DJs, bands and candle makers! Our pub, the George & Dragon, continues to champion the likes of Reeve’s Butchers, Anonymous Coffee, Henley Distillery and Village Maid Cheese.
We’re hugely proud to be part of an independent scene that is passionate, hardworking, and willing to fight to cut through against the odds. Wherever you are, please consider supporting your local independent in the festive period, whether for gifting, socialising, or taking some well earned down time.
To celebrate Small Business Saturday, we’ve collated 42 mixed cases which feature beers from Double-Barrelled, Phantom, Elusive, Mysterious, Indie Rabble and ourselves, along with a snack from Made For Drink.
Cheers & beers
Team Siren
Further information
43% of Grassroots Music Venues in the UK made a loss in 2023. Over 350 Grassroots Music Venues are now placed at immediate risk of closure:
https://www.musicvenuetrust.com/2024/10/budget-statement-from-mvt/
72 UK festivals have now announced a postponement, cancellation or complete closure in 2024 - double the amount that fell in 2023:
https://www.aiforg.com/blog-database/72-uk-festivals-cancelled-in-2024
SIBA track brewery numbers in the UK:
https://www.siba.co.uk/2024/02/06/new-figures-show-uk-begins-2024-with-fewer-breweries-than-start-of-2023-with-north-of-england-worst-hit/
