The UK’s craft beer scene has exploded in recent years. People want flavour. People want creativity. People want something that doesn’t taste like it’s been pumped out of a mega-factory by a robot with no soul. Enter: independent brewers.
The boom in the sector has largely been driven by consumer demand for something different from the mainstream lager offering, and this vibrant sector is an integral part of the nation's culture and economy. Indie brewers aren’t just making great beer - they’re keeping Britain’s legendary brewing heritage alive and pushing it forward. We are a force for good in communities across the UK, employ 10,000 people, run 2000 pubs bars and tap rooms and pay £millions in tax every year.
Demand for independent beer is strong, but like the rest of hospitality, making sustainable profits is challenging. And here’s the kicker...
The big guys want in (and they’re being sneaky about it)
Huge multinational brewers have seen the craft beer boom and want a piece of the action. But rather than make great beer themselves, they’re snapping up indie brands and pretending they’re still independent.
Yeah. That “cool little brewery” might actually be owned by a giant corporation based halfway across the globe. They slap on funky labels, use indie lingo, and most folks don’t realise their pint is now part of a giant portfolio.
That’s why this matters more than ever. Of the 1,700+ breweries still flying the indie flag in the UK, we only make up 8% of the total market. The rest? Dominated by big brewers with deep pockets and even deeper marketing spin.
Last year alone, over 100 UK breweries closed. Not because people stopped drinking indie beer - but because too many of them are unknowingly buying “faux craft” without realising it.
So, what’s the big deal?
True independent breweries:
✅ Support local jobs
✅ Use local suppliers
✅ Create beers that are genuinely different
✅ Help communities thrive
Fake “craft” beers owned by the big guys:
❌ Keep profits overseas
❌ Reduce diversity in the market
❌ Use clever branding to mislead people
A recent YouGov survey showed 75% of drinkers felt misled when they found out a supposedly independent brewery was owned by a multinational. Yikes.
Enter: The “Indie Beer” Trademark
To cut through the noise and make it easier to spot the real deal, SIBA (Society of Independent Brewers) has launched the “Indie Beer” mark. It’s a simple way to know your beer is genuinely independent.
Look out for it on cans and across our products. Want to double check a brand? Head to Indie Beer and get the facts.
Why Attic Brew Co is all in
We’re proud to wear the Indie Beer badge. Why? Because staying independent means we can:
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Keep creating unique, quality beer
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Stay rooted in our local community
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Support other small businesses along the way
We know our drinkers care about the story behind their beer. And we think that story should include real people, real communities, and real independence.
So what can you do?
Simple. Next time you’re out for a pint or picking up some cans, look for the Indie Beer mark. It’s your sign that your choice is supporting local brewers, not faceless corporations.
In a world where the lines are getting blurrier every day, make your beer choice clear. Drink indie. Drink proud. Drink something that matters.