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SIBA news All the news from SIBA HQ
Industry-leading SIBA British Craft Beer Report to return in 2022 in association with Croxsons
The SIBA British Craft Beer Report is to return next year - having been postponed in 2021 due to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic – and is due to be launched at BeerX UK in March 2022.
Somewhat fittingly, it was at BeerX UK in March 2020 when the report was last published, the week before the country went into National lockdown. The SIBA British Craft Beer Report 2022 is being published in association with Croxsons, who have come on board as the first ever Official Industry Partner. The report will once again pull together the latest data on the independent craft beer market, including academic analysis of the SIBA Members' Survey, newly commissioned consumer research, and a broad range of industry data and reporting, edited by the former Editor of The Publican and current Independent Brewer Editor, Caroline Nodder.
SIBA’s CEO James Calder said: “The SIBA British Craft Beer Report is the most comprehensive report of its kind published in the UK and provides incredibly valuable insight into the independent craft beer market in the UK, including expert analysis and commentary from some of the industry’s foremost writers. I am delighted to see the return of the report in 2022 and look forward to seeing what emerging trends and insight it throws up.
The most comprehensive report of its kind published in the UK it provides incredibly valuable insight into the independent craft beer market in the UK.
“I would also like to say a huge thank you to Croxsons, who have come on board as the first ever Official Industry Partner for the report and with whose support we have been able to continue offering this industryleading research, analysis and commentary.” Croxsons, who specialise in beer containers, closures and design, have extended their support to the report, coming on board as Official Industry Partner for 2022. COO Tim Croxson said: “We very much look forward to being involved with the report and to be in a position to make a meaningful contribution. Given the pace of change, only by analysing the market and understanding trends can we fully understand the way it is moving and how, in particular, brewers and retailers can reimagine the opportunities presented to them.” The SIBA British Craft Beer Report 2022 will be published on Wednesday 16th March at SIBA’s flagship event, BeerX UK in Liverpool, the UK’s biggest beer and brewing trade event.
SIBA and Croxsons are offering a £1,000 prize draw for all breweries who complete the SIBA Annual Members' survey before the 7th January 2022 and submit production volumes before the 28th February 2022. The results of the SIBA Industry Report Questionnaire 2021/22 - often referred to internally as the SIBA Members' Survey – form a key part of the data for the SIBA British Craft Beer Report and are also used by our Senior Management Team when lobbying Government, or representing your interests in the industry. The last time we did this survey was 2019, having postponed it last year due to Coronavirus, so it's particularly important that as many breweries as possible take the time to complete the survey. As a thank you to our members for completing the survey all of those who submit their response by January 7th 2022 and their production volumes by February 28th 2022 will be entered into a draw for the £1,000 prize, courtesy of our Official Industry Partner Croxsons.
To take the survey please visit: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/SIBASurvey2021-22
‘American IPA’ from Navigation Brewery named best beer in the Midlands at SIBA Independent Beer Awards 2021
Navigation Brewery has taken home the Overall Champion Cask Beer Award at the SIBA Midlands Independent Beer Awards 2021, which took place at the Robin Hood Beer & Cider Festival.
The Gold-winning beer ‘American IPA’ proved a huge hit with the expert judges, described as ‘a light and fragrant ale which is dominated by the scents of spring – cherry blossom and acacia, with a delicate balance of floral notes and bitterness’.
The Overall Silver award winner continued the international theme, with Loose Cannon winning with their Belgian style Tripel – coming in at a hefty 8.5% ABV. The Overall Bronze was snapped up by Blue Monkey brewery with their speciality ‘Guerilla Chocolate Ameretto’ Stout.
The awards took place ahead of the Robin Hood Beer & Cider Festival (organised by CAMRA) at Trent Bridge Cricket Ground. Separate to CAMRA’s own awards the SIBA Independent Beer Awards are run by brewers themselves and are judged by fellow brewers from elsewhere in the UK, as well other representatives from the industry and expert beer judges - making these the much coveted ‘brewers’ choice’ awards in the Midlands.
Accepting the top cask beer award for Navigation was Head Brewer Dominic Flynn, who said: “It’s amazing that two years ago we won this same Award with Saviour, which this beer was based on, and it’s good to know it is tasting as good as ever. There were some amazing beers in this competition so we really are blown away to win. It’s hard work making beer and we just try to make the best examples and styles as possible. We’re delighted and very proud.” All the winners from the Midlands Independent Beer Awards will now go on to the National Finals at BeerX UK in Liverpool in March 2022. Hosting the awards on behalf of SIBA was Neil Walker, Chair of SIBA’s Competitions Committee, who said: “The quality of beer in the competition was really exceptional and all kept in absolutely perfect condition by the expert cellar team at Nottingham CAMRA Beer Festival. Huge thanks to them and massive congratulations to all of the winners in this year’s awards – anyone taking home a category Gold has beaten some incredibly tough competition and should be very proud of their achievement. Particular congrats of course goes to the Overall Gold winner Navigation, who were worthy winners and whom I would wish the best of luck in the National Finals early next year!”
Read the full list of finalists and winner from the Midlands awards on pages 62-63 in this issue.
Vigo becomes newest SIBA Gold Member Suppliers
The SIBA team is absolutely delighted to announce that Vigo Ltd has recently become the latest SIBA Gold Member – Vigo has been an invaluable supporter of SIBA and its members over the years and this latest move to become a Gold Member is hugely appreciated by the whole SIBA team.
If you don't already work with Vigo, or would simply like to know more about the production and packaging products and services they offer, visit www.vigoltd.com.
Putting independent craft beer on the agenda at the Conservative Party Conference
SIBA's Head of Public Affairs Barry Watts represented SIBA at The Enterprise Forum during the Conservative Party Conference in Manchester this Autumn.
He was able to discuss the issues that matter to SIBA Members - including Small Breweries Relief, DRS, and access to market - with Chancellor Rishi Sunak and Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng, as well as presenting them both with a bottle of beer from local SIBA Members Pennine Brewery.
Next March you'll be able to get BeerX UK tickets for your whole team for free
The SIBA team has been amazed by the positive response to our announcement that BeerX UK next March will be free for all SIBA Members to attend, and we won't be putting any limit on the number of tickets your team can apply for by pre-registration.
In the past SIBA has offered one free ticket to all SIBA Brewing Members and Not Yet Brewing Members, but now we’re going even further and offering free tickets for you and your whole team. Supplier Associate Members of SIBA, or breweries that have multiple members of staff who would like to attend, can all do so for free providing you pre-register for your tickets before the event. All you need to do is make sure you preregister before the cut-off date of Friday the 11th March - walk-ins at BeerX UK 2022 will be charged at the standard £30 + VAT ticket price. BeerX UK is the UK's biggest beer and brewing trade event and 2022 is set to be our best ever, with a huge industry trade show, regional beer bars and trade-only beer festival, the SIBA AGM and Members' Conference, the independent Beer and Business Awards presentations, plus a packed schedule of seminars, talks and panel debates from the beer industry's leading voices. Add to that an expanding schedule of fringe events and after-parties around Liverpool and BeerX UK 2022 is already shaping up to be a must-attend for anyone in the UK beer and brewing industry.
Find out more at www.beerx.org
‘Black Gold’ by Cairngorm Brewery named best beer in Scotland at the SIBA Independent Beer Awards
Cairngorm Brewery has taken home the Overall Champion Cask Beer Award at the SIBA Scotland Independent Beer Awards 2021, which was this year hosted at the Bolton Beer Festival in a joint judging event with the SIBA North West Region.
Cairngorm’s aptly named ‘Black Gold’ took the overall top spot – described as a ‘traditional Scottish Stout with just the right amount of sweetness’ it will now go on to fight it out against rivals from the rest of the UK in next year’s National Finals at BeerX in March 2022. The Overall Silver award winner was first-time entrants Argour Ales’ ‘Gobhar Reamhar’, with the Bronze going to Five Kingdoms Brewery’s ‘Wee McAsh Bitter’. The SIBA Independent Beer Awards are run by and for brewers and are judged by fellow brewers from elsewhere in the UK, as well other representatives from the industry and expert beer judges – making these the much coveted ‘brewers’ choice’ awards in Scotland.
Hosting the awards on behalf of SIBA was Neil Walker, Chair of SIBA’s Competitions Committee, who said: “It was great to see so many excellent Scottish beers represented in these hard-fought awards, and a huge congratulations goes to all of the winners, but in particular this year’s overall Gold Cairngorm. A wonderful beer and a very deserving Champion!”
Read the full list of finalists and winners on pages 64-65 in this issue.
Experienced beer judges needed!
SIBA is always on the lookout for experienced beer judges with a keen set of tastebuds and excellent knowledge of beer, and no formal qualifications are required.
If you have, however recently, qualified as a BJCP Judge, Beer Sommelier, or Cicerone and want to put your practice to the test then we'd love to have you along to judge too! We would encourage you to share this info with any trade customers you have who fit the bill. Experienced bar managers and beer shop owners are very welcome as judges and with Competitions across the UK and the National finals at BeerX we are always looking to expand our list.
Simply ask them to drop an email through to beercompetitions@siba.co.uk with their location and beer/beer judging experience and we'll add them to our list.
Breaking News
SIBA responds to Treasury publication of Small Breweries’ Relief changes
As this magazine went to press the Treasury published its final changes to Small Breweries’ Relief (SBR) which responds to the technical consultation from earlier in the year.
In a statement, SIBA said: “After three years of deliberating, the Treasury has announced far-reaching changes to SBR - at last providing some certainty for small brewers so they can plan for the future. “It is welcome that the Treasury has listened to SIBA’s representations on behalf of small brewers, and the views of MPs from across the political divide, to increase the 50% threshold from the proposed 2,100hl to 2,500hl. “While it is disappointing that some small brewers between 2,500hl to 5,000hl will have to contribute more in beer duty under the new system, our worst fears have been averted and the rate is more manageable than was proposed in the consultation. The changes also remove the ‘cliff edges’ that hindered brewers in the past and sets out a path to growth and a workable framework for the future.
“These changes demonstrate the Treasury has recognised the important role that SBR has served for the past 20 years in levelling up the brewing sector, investing more in the scheme and expanding it to include more breweries. “We must now carefully consider how these new policies sit within the wider changes to the alcohol duty announced in the Budget and work through all the implications to ensure that small brewers can compete against the Global giants that dominate the beer and cider sectors.”
Summary of changes to SBR
• The Treasury will move SBR to the marginal band scheme (option 4 that was presented in the consultation). • The start point of the taper will be 2,500hl instead of 2,100hl as planned by the Treasury. • The marginal rate will be 55% for the first section meaning a 52.5% rate for a 5,000hl sized brewer.
• Above 5,000hl the taper will be divided into three bands with the marginal rate at 75% between 5,000-10,000hl and 85% from 10,00020,000hl and 100% up to 30,000hl. This will extend the taper up to 100,000hl. • Brewers will be allowed to adjust their production levels in year where these have been materially affected by an exceptional event. • There will be a transitional relief for brewers that merge which will be phased over a three year period. • There will not be a specific cash cap mechanism but SBR will move to a hectolitres of pure alcohol based on average ABV as detailed in the alcohol duty systems consultation.
SIBA’s response to the Chancellor’s Autumn Budget
Responding to the Chancellor’s 2021 Autumn Budget, James Calder, SIBA’s CEO, said: "The Chancellor’s Budget introduced radical changes to the outdated Alcohol Duty system which will benefit brewers of lower strength beers, traditional cask beer and create a more level playing field between small breweries and cider producers.
“The lower rate of duty for beer sold in pubs is a huge win for the industry and something which SIBA has been campaigning for. We look forward to working with the Treasury as they implement this landmark policy. Whilst hugely beneficial for producers of Real Ale, which is sold in forty litre casks, most craft keg beer in the UK is sold in thirty litre kegs, meaning they cannot benefit. By amending this lower threshold to twenty litres the Treasury can ensure all independent breweries benefit from this welcome new duty relief on draught beer. “Furthermore the Freeze in Beer duty is very helpful at a time when brewers are seeing a myriad of other supply and running costs rising, and the Business Rates Relief for pubs will be welcomed by many in a struggling sector.
“The new Small Producer Relief scheme builds on the hugely successful Small Breweries' Relief scheme (SBR) and cutting business rates bills for hospitality premises by 50% for the next year is also hugely beneficial and SIBA would like to see the definition of those premises expanded to cover all breweries, taprooms, bars and pubs."
Beer & Brewing Budget Summary
1) Duty Freeze
In his Budget the Chancellor announced a freeze in the headline rate of duty for beer, cider, wine and spirits, a saving of £3 billion over the next five years.
2) Alcohol Duty Reform
The Chancellor announced a radical simplification of the duty system, reducing the main rates from 15 to 6 and taxing all products in proportion to their alcohol content.
A consultation has been launched on this which can be found here – https://www. gov.uk/government/consultations/the-newalcohol-duty-system-consultation
3) Small Producers’ Relief
In addition to the Alcohol Duty Review, the Chancellor announced a Small Producers’ Relief for cider, wine and spirits based products below 8.5% ABV.
4) Lower Rate of Duty for Draught Beer and Cider
A new lower rate for draught beer and cider, with a reduction of 5% will be introduced, subject to a consultation. This will only currently apply to 40 litre containers, below 8.5% ABV and sold as to connect to a dispense system. SIBA pushed, and will continue to push that this be applicable to containers of over 20L – to apply to pins and craft keg. Following consultation, Government plan for this to apply from February 2023.
5) Fundamental reform of Business Rates
The Chancellor announced its final report on the reform of Business Rates to make the system fairer and more supportive. In addition, he announced a new 50% 1 year temporary relief for retail, hospitality and leisure properties. SIBA will push Government to ensure that the definition of who will be eligible will apply as widely as possible covering breweries, taprooms and your pubs.
‘Love is Noise’ by Hophurst Brewery named best beer in the North West at the SIBA Independent Beer Awards
Hophurst Brewery has taken home the Overall Champion Cask Beer Award at the SIBA North West Independent Beer Awards 2021, which took place at the Bolton Beer Festival.
The Gold-winning beer ‘Love is Noise’ was brewed to celebrate the brewery’s 7th Birthday and is the first time the brewery have produced a ‘DIPA’ or ‘Double IPA’ – the hugely aromatic and flavoursome beer coming in at a punchy 8% ABV.
The Overall Silver award winner was another American style beer, ‘West Coast’ by Blackedge Brewing, and it was Hawkshead Brewery’s ‘Windermere Pale’ that completed the trio and took the Overall Bronze award.
The awards took place ahead of the Bolton Beer Festival at the University of Bolton Stadium. Accepting the top cask beer award for Hophurst was Head Brewer and founder Stuart Hurst, who said: “To win with our first ever double IPA is just amazing, especially as we came so close last time around when we won the Silver with our Porter. This was a very special beer to celebrate our 7th birthday and we wanted something big, fruity and with great body. The beer is chock full of hops and we use loads of simcoe, mosaic, citra, equanot and a brand new ‘Cryo Pop’ hop which we’ve used for the first time. I’m delighted it’s proved a hit.”
All the winners of the North West Independent Beer Awards will now go on to the National Finals at the BeerX UK event in Liverpool, March 2022. Hosting the awards on behalf of SIBA was Neil Walker, Chair of SIBA’s Competitions Committee, who said: “There were some really excellent beers in this competition and brewers should be very proud of taking home these hard-fought awards. The judges had a very tough job separating the pack and I’d like to say a personal well done to all of the category winners and of course our overall Gold winners Hophurst – what a beer!”
Read the full list of finalists and winners from the North West on pages 66-67 in this issue.
New Export Support Service from Department for International Trade
A new government helpline and online service has been launched where all UK businesses can get answers to practical questions about exporting to Europe. It gives access to cross government information and support all in one place. UK businesses of all sizes can use this free service.
SIBA members can access the Export Support Service at GOV.UK/ask-export-support-team or by calling 0300 303 8955 where they will be put in touch with a member of our dedicated export support team.
Remember your T&Cs
Hopefully as things improve after the closures earlier in the year, you're picking up new business or re-establishing contact with previous pubs and bottle shops.
To make sure that you're covered for any future issues, it's important you have the right terms and conditions for your customers.
In partnership with Napthens, SIBA provides a free T&Cs toolkit which is available on the Toolbox.
New 'simplified' version of Independent Craft Brewer seal now available
The majority of SIBA Member breweries now use the SIBA assured seal on their bottle and can labels which is great to see.
We have also listened to your feedback and produced this new simplified version of the seal, which will reproduce better at smaller sizes. Where possible the full version of the seal should be used, but if space is at a premium this new 'Independent Craft Brewer' version can also be used.
