Industry Analysis & Industry Trends
Firms in the Beer Production industry have struggled over the five years through 2011-12, as falling beer consumption and rising competition from wine and cider have decimated sales. Already declining due to societal trends and the ageing population, beer consumption has fallen sharply due to depressed economic conditions, rising alcohol duty, the introduction of a ban on smoking in pubs and competition from other beverages. Revenue is estimated to contract in 2011-12, by 1.7%, as the dire economic climate leads consumers to stay at home and cut back on beer. IBISWorld estimates industry revenue will contract at an average annualised rate of 2.0% over the five years through 2011-12 to a total of £7.84 billion... purchase to read more
Industry Report - Industry Products Chapter
Beer can be broadly segmented into three major types: ale, lager and stout. Each type has its own unique characteristics and can vary between different regions of the country. Up until the 1960s, the majority of beer produced in the United Kingdom was ale and stout. However, since the 1970s lager has exploded in popularity, now making up almost three-quarters of the beer produced.
Lager
Lager is typically light, clear, sparkling and served cold. The word lager means storage in German. Lager beer undergoes a maturation process of between one to two weeks in cold storage to stabilise the beer and develop flavour. The key difference between ale and lager is in fermentation; a lager is fermented at a much lower temperature, and with different yeast than ale... purchase to read more