Cask ale trends in pubs for 2025

M-Fox24 · Dec 19, 2024

“The future of cask ale in the hands of the ‘big boys’ is going to suffer massively. Regional brewers too will suffer because in the end everyone is bored of their ales. They need some innovation, some excitement and certainly change” - Tim Bird [Owner of Cheshire Cat Pubs & Inns]

https://www.morningadvertiser.co.uk...paign=16-Dec-2024&cid=DM1178612&bid=576540596

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Extracts:

Traditionalism

Cask saw a shift towards lower ABV, traditional and independent brewers in 2024 while real ale pubs gained a more 'inclusive' reputation…Hazy beers have been flavour of the month for a while, but that’s starting to drop off now and we’re going back to crystal clear session pales and golden ales…This has been driven by education about cask…namely from the likes of the Society of Independent Brewers SIBA and The Campaign for Real (Ale)
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The quest for ‘new’ is over. People want to revert back to warmer memories and are actively seeking opportunities to rekindle those feelings
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Consolidation

…the cask market could “consolidate…I think we’ve reached that peak in the market and, as with pubs, the good [beers] will survive and endure…There’s going to be tougher times ahead that may be reflected in, unfortunately, price increases at the bar, but I think the good ones will prosper
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Profitability/Big Brewers

When cask is done well it sells well, and indie breweries are making some of the most diverse and interesting cask beers ever….It’s clear demand for great-tasting beer from indies is in high demand in cask, but profitability and access to pubs remains a big challenge in a tough market for small brewers
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‘Freshly brewed ales from local or micro-brewers are some of the most sustainable beers on offer and support local business and employment.’ However…the segment could “struggle” in 2025 as big brewers, in particular those with a focus on lager, take ownership of some of the ‘best ale brands’
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Stats [Brief]

Old Speckled Hen and Black Sheep Bitter were both new entries for 2024, coming in at ninth and tenth place respectively
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Sharps’ Dooms Bar saw the biggest drop in both volume and value
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Cask ale trends in pubs for 2025

M-Fox24 Grand Pooh-Bah (3,941) Mar 17, 2013 New Jersey
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Cask ale trends in pubs for 2025

M-Fox24 Grand Pooh-Bah (3,941) Mar 17, 2013 New Jersey Pooh-Bah Trader

M-Fox24 Grand Pooh-Bah (3,941) Mar 17, 2013 New Jersey
Pooh-Bah Trader