Brewing giants blamed for ale decline

Four multi-national brewing giants have been blamed for a 70% decline in the ale market

in a new report.

The Intelligent Choice report, written by beer writer Pete Brown, said: "Coors, Inbev, Carlsberg and S&N/Heineken account for three -quarters of all beer brewed in the UK.

"Between them, these four brewers

are responsible for more than 70% of

the volume decline in the total ale market, as investment in brands such as Boddingtons and Tetleys continues

to dwindle.

"Their average monthly decline in total ale is

double the rate of that from regional and independent brewers."

The Intelligent Choice report gathered data from Nielsen, CGA Strategy, Mintel and TGI. It is backed by a variety of trade groups, including the Independent Family Brewers of Britain, the Society of Independent Brewers, the Campaign for Real Ale and Cask Marque.