Independent brewers create true 'craft beer' accreditation after series of corporate takeovers

The success of the craft beer business has seen many independent brewers snapped up by huge global drinks brands

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Britain’s craft beer industry has boomed in recent years as drinkers have increasingly yearned for a more authentic tipple.

But the success of the craft beer business has seen many independent brewers snapped up by huge global drinks brands in recent months leaving some to question whether that authenticity is being lost.

Now trade body the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) has proposed a new solution to the threat after the buyouts of Camden Town, Meantime, Sharp’s, and most recently London Fields Brewery, which was bought by Carlsberg.

“Consumers deserve to know that what they are buying is a genuine craft-brewed beer as research clearly shows that most beer drinkers believe craft beer to be produced by relatively small, independent brewers.“ Mike Benner, SIBA Chief executive, commented.

SIBA is calling for greater clarity and has launched the Assured Independent British Craft Brewer campaign.

The campaign will allow products to carry a seal denoting that they are made by truly independent brewers. The accreditation will mean drinkers can instantly recognise a “true” craft beer, SIBA says

The campaign will also be a major feature of the Great British Beer Festival in London this summer where all beers from independent breweries will be highlighted on bar banners and in the festival programme.

The festival attracts over 50,000 people across the four day event and is run by not-for-profit consumer organisation the Campaign for Real Ale.

SIBA's South East Regional Director Ed Mason, who also runs Five Points Brewing Co in London, hailed the success of the UK’s brewers in recent years but said Carlsberg’s purchase of the London Fields “raises a number of questions about genuine independence and ethics in the brewing industry”.

“SIBA’s AIBCB ‘Assured Independent Brewers’ seal will help ensure that customers can tell which beers are truly independent”, he said.