Signs of the times: from craft beer to Big Beer
I’m currently writing a piece (delayed obviously)for Culture Matters on how an understanding of Marx’s analysis of capitalism can also help explain some of the trends seen in craft and Big Beer in 2023.
Sometimes developments appear as a surprise until one remembers that at root market capitalism is based on boom and slump, with fierce competition leading to monopolies.
Hence Black Sheep Brewery in Masham has announced the appointment of financial advisors to look at investment in the business or a possible sale. One hopes that it will be the former and not Big Beer looking to add another brewery to its portfolio.
Underwriting that is the concerning news that Brook House Hops has gone into administration. Award winners in 2022 as Roger Protz has noted their Herefordshire hop-fields supplied a range of British hops, many to be found in craft beers.
Meanwhile in the world of Big Beer Heineken has passed the UK rights for Kronenbourg 1664 to Carlsberg Marstons. Heineken plans to start brewing its Cruzcampo Spanish brand in Manchester. A reminder that Big Beer is firmly global. Along the way Heineken press statement brands Beavertown and Brixton as ‘super premium’ beers. I’m not sure what that means but it’s a reminder of what happens when capitalism gets hold of craft.
Some of this the ordinary drinker can do little about in the immediate moment, but some of it can be impacted by campaigning pressure. Breweries can be saved from closure or takeover and the voracious demands of the market tempered on occasion
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