Despite declining volumes of ale and stout, Mintel expects the market to register a small increase due to innovative new products as well as the growing number of regional bottled ales embraced by grocery multiples and pub operators.

Consolidation of major brewers such as Bass and Whitbread to Interbrew and the presence of US giant Coors in the UK market have left a large percentage of the ale and stout market’s volume in the hands of just five brewers that own most of the nation’s biggest brands. Quality remains of paramount importance to ale/stout drinkers, usually represented by major branded products that provide consumers with consistency and reassurance.

Despite declining volumes of ale and stout, Mintel expects the market to register a small increase due to innovative new products as well as the growing number of regional bottled ales embraced by grocery multiples and pub operators.

Consolidation of major brewers such as Bass and Whitbread to Interbrew and the presence of US giant Coors in the UK market have left a large percentage of the ale and stout market’s volume in the hands of just five brewers that own most of the nation’s biggest brands. Quality remains of paramount importance to ale/stout drinkers, usually represented by major branded products that provide consumers with consistency and reassurance.

With the pub groups growing stronger and multiple supermarkets becoming ever more powerful, the major brewers now claim that the fight is firmly in the hands of the retailers. The brewers’ aim is to drive up order value by providing the right pack for the right occasion.

In this report, Mintel assesses the ales and stouts market, providing vital market information such as the need for brewers to focus more on attracting new