What’s the UK’s Favourite Beer? Top 10 Retail Beer Brands by Sales
The UK loves beer! In fact, it’s the number one drink of choice for the country’s men, and the second most popular alcoholic drink overall. But what is the country’s favourite beer? Well, the results may or may not surprise you. We’ve put together this list of the top 10 beers in terms of retail sales, while also sharing some context about the state of the beer industry in general, and even letting you know what the country’s favourite draught pint is!
Join us on this trip to reveal the UK’s favourite beer!
Note: This list is based on Statista data from late 2023.
The State of the UK Beer Industry
Before we dive into the list, let’s take a look at the UK beers at home industry.
The Rising Price of Beer, Consumption Habits, and More
The price of beer has consistently increased since 2016, with the average Consumer Price Index reaching its peak in 2021. It’s worth noting that in 2020, partially due to the COVID-19 pandemic, consumer spending on beer rose as high as £7.4 billion. While consumer spending has since dropped, likely due to the population getting used to pubs being open again, consumption and expenditure still trends in the positive over the last 10 years.
It’s also worth noting that while off-trade beer sales increased, the industry suffered overall. Since the pandemic, both on and off-trade beers have returned to pre-COVID production levels, showing that our collective thirst shows no signs of being quenched!
What’s the UK’s Favourite Pint?
One last stop before we embark on our tour of the UK’s favourite beer choices, it’s important to shed the spotlight on the UK’s favourite draught option for when they reach the pub. In the fiscal year of 2023, the UK’s favourite draught was none other than Guinness! Yes, a pint of the “black stuff” is the country’s favourite choice in a pub setting. It’s also worth noting that sales and public also largely consider Guinness 0.0 the best non-alcoholic beer option on the market, especially in the 4-pack off-trade format.
However, interestingly enough, Guinness doesn’t even crack the top 10 in terms of retail beer sales, perhaps due to the creamy drink’s reputation for being hard to pour properly. Either way, we salute the Irish stout titan as we look forward to our voyage through the country’s top beers
The UK’s Favourite Beer: Top 10 Beers by Retail Sales
10. Peroni - £46.8 Million in Sales
Peroni comes in at number 10 in terms of retail sales, with the pale lager being a popular choice for its crisp, yet slightly bitter taste with fruity notes and floral aroma. Its roots are planted in Vigevano, Italy but over the years, since its founding in 1846, it’s become a popular choice in international markets like the UK for its stylish look, distinct flavour, and the general air of sophistication that it carries.
9. Desperados - £47.7 Million in Sales
One of the youngest beers on the list, Desperados has become a popular bottled choice among younger people in the UK since its creation in 1995. This French beer from Fischer Brewery is a distinct option as it’s renowned for containing a tequila-based flavoring, giving it sweet and spicy notes. It’s largely considered to have led the charge in terms of infused and flavored lager.
8. Corona - £52.2 Million in Sales
Corona Extra is a pale lager from Mexico, famous for the iconic image of being served on the beach with a wedge of lime stuffed into the bottleneck. Founded in 1925, Corona has a strong international presence, being hugely popular in the United States, Latin America, and the UK. It’s an easy-drinking beer with a light body and mild flavour, perfect for summertime sipping with a hint of lime.
7. Heineken - £66.2 Million in Sales
Founded in 1873 in Amsterdam, Heineken is well-known across the world for its iconic green bottles, clear pale golden shade, balanced bitterness, slightly fruity notes, and crisp finish. It’s one of the world’s favourite beers, available across the globe in a variety of different settings. The original factory is also a great day out if you ever find yourself in Amsterdam!
6. Carlsberg - £72.2 Million in Sales
“Probably the best lager in the world”? Carlsberg comes close to its self-proclaimed status but falls short! Carlsberg is one of the oldest beers on the list, founded in 1847, it’s popular across Europe and Asia as a light lager with a refreshing taste, lower alcohol content, and attractive price tag – a popular choice for game days!
5. San Miguel - £78 Million in Sales
As our first entry into the top five, San Miguel is a pale pilsner powerhouse throughout Asia, Spain, and the UK. Founded in 1890, this cerveza is a Filipino beverage from Manila that’s popular in pubs and living rooms alike for being an affordable, light-bodied option with a slight sweetness and mildly balanced bitterness.
4. Carling - £102.4 Million in Sales
Carling is often considered a quintessentially English beer but in reality, it was founded in Canada in 1840 before heading over here in the 1950s. Fourth might be slightly bittersweet (much like its flavor profile), as it was the most popular beer in the UK for some time. It’s largely associated with its affordability and sponsorship of high-profile sports events.
3. Foster’s - £117.9 Million in Sales
Originating from Melbourne, Australia, Foster’s takes the bronze medal in the UK’s most popular beers. Despite being marketed as “Australian for Beer”, this golden lager with a very crisp, refreshing flavor profile is not all that popular in the land down under. Since its founding in 1888, it has however become very popular as a cheaper go-to option for many Brits.
2. Budweiser - £136.1 Million in Sales
Much like The Sopranos, McDonalds, and Nuclear Power, Budweiser is one of the UK’s favourite imports from our friends across the pond! Founded by Anheuser-Busch in 1876, Bud has an iconic image with its brown bottle, quintessentially American label, and crisp, almost savoury taste. The success of this beer speaks for itself, making it a worthy choice for the UK’s second favourite beer.
1. The UK’s Favourite Beer: Stella Artois - £232.6 Million in Sales
And at the top spot, we have none other than Stella Artois! This Belgian pilsner was founded back in 1926, putting it in the central age bracket for this list, although its original brewery was established as far back as 1366. Stella has become the most popular choice in the UK in part for its iconic cans and bottles, along with its moderate bitterness, floral notes, and medium-light body.
Looking Beyond the Top Beer Brands
Did your favourite beer make an appearance on this list or are you more into your craft ales? Do you even like beer at all? At the end of the day, this list is only a reflection of mainstream retail beer tastes, with there being plenty of space in the market for all different flavours and formulations of our favourite suddy beverage. With the UK’s thirst for beer, it would be no surprise if none of these options take the title of “Best Beer in the World” in your eyes.
While we love to show respect to the titans, we’re also passionate about the smaller brands changing the game from the ground up, which is why we offer a platform for them at Trade Drinks Expo! From trendy small-batch craft beers to sustainable beer innovations, this show covers a lot of ground in beer and beyond!
For more information on the show, visit our website today, and check out our blog for more insights into the drinks industry!
