CAMRA and SIBA make it easier to find independent beer
Beer drinkers can identify independently-brewed beer more easily as well as find out which pubs serve it on their bar thanks to CAMRA showing support for SIBA’s Indie Beer campaign.
The campaign, which was recently launched by the Society of Independent Brewers and Associates (SIBA), helps drinkers know who is really behind the brew and, as such, exposes brands that were formerly thought to be independent and either sold out, or have just been badged as ‘craft’.
Last year, SIBA data gathered from industry insight and consumer polling provided an authoritative assessment on the state of independent brewing in 2025 and revealed that whilst average production climbed 10% last year, 46% of independent brewers say their main priority is survival and almost a third (29%) expect turnover to fall.
The battle against big beer continues
The number of independent breweries fell by 5.5%, with around 100 closing their doors and others merging to survive, with pubs and hospitality venues continuing to close across the nation. Added to this, UK drinkers have also echoed that big brewers are squeezing out independents.
SIBA CEO Andy Slee had said at the time that independent breweries “have around 6% of the market and where they are allowed to compete against global breweries they could have 30% market share. This lack of access means that beer drinkers are missing out”. Something needed to change.
The Indie Beer initiative was originally created following research commissioned by the trade association that showed that three-quarters of people feel the marketing of previously independent brands [formerly known as “craft beers” which are now in the ownership of global brewers] was misleading. In an effort to address this, the campaign included a simple brewery checker tool and an ‘assured’ mark that independent brewers could display.
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Support and solidarity
Now that CAMRA has also come on board with supporting the efforts, however, the campaign takes on extra meaning, with pubs now being identified for supporting the independent brewing movement.
Speaking about supporting the campaign, CAMRA chairman, Ash Corbett-Collins, said: “Independent breweries are the lifeblood of our beer culture, bringing flavour, variety and character to pubs and communities across the UK. That’s why CAMRA is thrilled to strengthen our support of SIBA’s Indie beer campaign.”
Corbett-Collins explained: “Unfortunately, global brewers often market their own brands as if they were independent. They limit market access for independents, cutting consumer choice, and that’s why this campaign matters. It is vital that consumers have access to information about where their beer is being brewed, and whether it’s in independent ownership.”
Demand for indie beer is still high
Indie Beer campaign spokesperson Neil Walker, said: “I’d like to thank CAMRA for their continued support of the Indie Beer campaign, which continues to go from strength to strength and is now fully integrated into their website, making it even easier to find out which breweries are indie. The demand for independent beer has never been stronger but too many people are still being tricked by global brands masquerading as ‘craft’ – so look out for the Indie Beer mark and you can be sure the beer you’re buying is from a genuine independent brewery.”
Corbett-Collins added: “Next time you’re at the bar, look out for the logo and enjoy discovering something truly independent.”
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