The BBPA has been made aware of a shortage in the supply of CO2, which may already have impacted beer producers nationally and which now threatens to impact pubs. The situation is different from that which the industry experienced in 2015 in that this more recent shortage affects mainland Europe in addition to the UK. Supply issues here in the UK are being further complicated by a combination of planned plant shutdowns and unexpected equipment failure, in particular in connection with one of the two major national producers of bulk CO2. Whilst some members may still be receiving supplies of CO2, this shortage will undoubtedly impact on those many smaller suppliers who distribute locally but who will be supplied in turn by the National producers. To ensure that we can inform our members of the latest developments, the BBPA has contacted the two companies involved. We have also been in contact with the British Soft Drinks Association as well as DEFRA and BEIS. Whilst we will continue to contact those involved and to reiterate the impact of such a shortage on the brewing industry, the situation at present is very much in the hands of the producers themselves. We understand that the shortage may last for at least the next few weeks and that one supplier has already been in contact with their customers to notify them of force majeure. The BBPA recommends that in the first instance members contact their supplier if they have any specific concerns. We would also urge those BBPA members seeking to contact their retail customers/partners to reiterate the importance of using beverage dispense gas supplied only by reputable providers and which is of the appropriate food grade. Advice on the safe use of beverage gases can be found here. Members who have any questions or would like to share any relevant information should contact Steve Livens at the BBPA (slivens@beerandpub.com).
The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) has responded to the House of Commons Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee inquiry on Brand Britain: Promoting and Marketing British food and drink. Beer is the third largest Food and Drink Export category, exporting to over 120 countries, but the BBPA believes that more can be done to promote British beer around the world. This includes more involvement in the early stages of project development, to Government adopting multi-year budgets for exports which gives companies sufficient time to plan and budget. There needs to be a greater understanding of cost and availability in individual markets which can identify brands best suited to these countries. The BBPA believes that DEFRA and DIT should convene a meeting of Estate Managers and Chefs from key third country markets to do a Food and Drink promotional course in the UK. This event would allow embassies and consulates to understand food and drink matching, as well as opportunities for British exporters to speak to key decision makers in these markets about what is on offer, where and at what price. There is also a need for a proactive promotion of the British beer brand, but both ‘Craft is Great’ and ‘Heritage is Great’ are too narrow a description to convey the excellent range of British Beer. There has been considerable success with inbound trade missions which matched UK brewers to Canadian buyers. It is best practice which could be developed for other markets. BBPA Chief Executive Brigid Simmonds comments: “British beer is an export success story, but with the right support it could achieve our stated aim of increasing exports by £100 million over the next five years. There needs to be a more innovative and joined-up approach from Government which engages with the industry, builds on best practice such as inward missions and provides flexible budgets which works for the industry in promoting British exports. “British brewing is a world class industry which already exports to 120 countries round the world. The Export Strategy is a key feature of our website and we are keen to work with DEFRA and DIT to grow British beer exports and build a unique British beer brand.”
The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) has predicted that England fans will drink 14 million extra pints at the pub during the World Cup group stages, as they cheer on the England squad in their games against Tunisia, Panama and Belgium. The extra number of pints drunk during the World Cup group stages could provide as much as a £42 million boost to the economy, with the Great British pub being one of the main benefactors of a surge in demand for beer as fans cheer on the England team at their local. The taxman will be cheering the loudest as England progress through the group stages of the competition. With beer duty, the extra tax put on beer in addition to VAT, meaning that HMRC could get an additional windfall as high as £6.3 million from beer drinkers and pub-goers watching England at the World Cup. With the friendly timings of England’s group stage fixtures meaning that the Three Lions will play Tunisia and Belgium in the evenings after work and Panama at the weekend, as well as fewer fans travelling to the tournament itself to catch the games, the Great British pub is set to be the place to watch England’s World Cup matches this summer. BBPA Chief Executive Brigid Simmonds comments: “When it comes to watching England at the World Cup, only being at the game itself can compare with being in the pub. Millions of England fans will be going to the pub to cheer on the team with their friends, which is both great for the local pub and great for the England team. Let’s hope the England team do us proud!”
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