Beer lovers face bottle shortage as rising energy costs hit UK breweries

British consumers spent more than £7bn on beer in 2020. Photograph: Ina Fassbender/AFP/Getty Images

Beer drinkers could soon find it difficult to buy their favourite bottled beverage because of a shortage of glassware triggered by soaring energy costs, a food and drink wholesaler has warned.

Suppliers are already experiencing problems sourcing glassware as its production is energy intensive, pushing its price 80% higher over the past year. As a result, stocks have tumbled, according to Dunns Food and Drinks, one of Scotland’s largest wholesalers.