Midlands loses a net of 11 breweries in just one year - what's happening to our local beer scene?

Birmingham, has been significantly impacted by the recent downturn in the brewery industry.

The city witnessed the closure of the well-known brewery, Dig Brew in January, marking a significant loss for the local brewing scene.

This closure was part of a larger trend across the Midlands, which saw a net loss of 11 breweries in the past year.

Established around 2017, Dig Brew Co was celebrated nationally for the quality of its beers. It was located in Digbeth, a vibrant and dynamic inner-city area.

The brewery was the first and only craft brewery in the area and became a cornerstone of an area undergoing widespread renewal.

After, more than six years in business, Dig Brew Co announced its closure in January 2023.

What has happened to the brewery industry, in the Midlands?

The Society of Independent Breweries’ UK brewery tracker has highlighted a concerning trend in the industry.

Since the start of 2024, there has been a net loss of 38 breweries - two per cent of the total.

While some regions, such as the East of England, saw an increase in breweries, the North West experienced the highest number of closures at 19.

In addition to Dig Brew, the West Midlands also witnessed the closure of 4 Chaps Brewery in Wythall, Worcestershire.

Fownes Brewery in Brierley Hill also shut its doors in November of the previous year.

What does the future hold for the brewery industry?

SIBA chief executive, Andy Slee, expressed hope for a busy summer for pubs, which could help the numbers recover.

He said the main reasons for the closures to rising costs and slowing sales, caused by the cost-of-living crisis.

However, high beer prices are not benefiting small brewers due to the high level of taxation and increases in the costs of raw materials.