Adnams, the UK brewer, has announced a reduction in alcohol volume across four of its most popular drinks. The changes affect Ghost Ship Pale Ale, Southwold Bitter, Wild Wave English Cider, and Broadside, with the company stating it is confident that the flavour of its beers will remain uncompromised.
ABV Reductions
Ghost Ship Pale Ale has been cut from 4.5% to 4.1% ABV, Wild Wave English Cider has dropped from 5% to 4.5%, and Broadside 500ml bottles have been trimmed from 6.3% to 6%. Southwold Bitter has also seen cuts, from 4.1% in bottle and can and 3.7% in keg and cask down to 3.4% in both cases.
The changes come as the UK alcohol duty system imposes a charge of around £22 per litre of pure alcohol on drinks at 3.5% ABV or above. By reducing the ABV of some products below this threshold, Adnams may benefit from lower duty rates.
Company Statement
Adnams said: “We are confident that the flavour of our beers will remain uncompromised, thanks to the expertise of our brewing team.” They added that “these changes not only align with consumer trends but also offer us an opportunity to create more value to invest back into the growth of our brands.”
Industry Challenges
The announcement comes amid a difficult period for the brewing industry. Redemption Brewing Company, based in Tottenham, has called in administrators from FRP Advisory, who have taken control of the business. The family-run brewery, which has been operating for 100 years, is now seeking a potential buyer while continuing operations during the administration process. Its flagship offering is the award-winning premium bitter Hopspur.
Additionally, Overtone Brewing Ltd, a Glasgow-based brewery known for its colourful cans of craft beers and amplified New England IPAs, has fallen into liquidation. George Lafferty of restructuring firm BTG Begbies Traynor has been appointed. The brewery was wound up by the courts in February after accumulating unsustainable debts.
