The pandemic allowed some independent breweries to reinvent their business models and become more resilient, two studies led by Northumbria University suggest.
Academics from Newcastle Business School, part of Northumbria University, Anglia Ruskin University and the University of York looked at the UK's craft brewing industry before, during and post-Covid - and found location was a major determining factor of success. Separate research also showed many brewers successfully adapted to pandemic restrictions including selling cans and bottles to individual customers rather than casks and kegs to venues.
Despite some 200 UK breweries having closed since 2020, the study found that operators who were quick to react and use creativity fared well. A willingness among consumers to buy from local, small businesses benefited those that had taken risks in adapting business models.
