BrewDog has suffered another major setback after figures revealed its beers have been removed from almost 2,000 pubs across Britain, in a fresh blow to the once high-flying craft brewer.
Confidential industry data shows that BrewDog’s draught beers have disappeared from around 1,860 pubs over the last two years – cutting its UK distribution by more than a third. Its flagship Punk IPA has borne the brunt, with distribution slashed by more than half, having been dropped from 1,980 pubs in the period.
One pub industry insider told The Times: “BrewDog is losing taps in the [pub and bar trade] like you wouldn’t believe,” with rival brands such as Camden Town and Beavertown moving into its place on the bar.
The losses have come mainly from pub chains and large operators, depriving BrewDog of vital income at the same time as it struggles to repair its financial position and reputation. Last month, the company was forced to shutter 10 of its own branded bars across the UK, including its flagship site in Aberdeen, after declaring them commercially unviable.
The downturn underlines the challenge facing chief executive James Taylor, who took over last year following a turbulent period marked by heavy losses and allegations of a “toxic” workplace culture. The company has reported losses of £59m in 2023 and £30.5m in 2022, with Taylor conceding it will remain in the red this year.
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