The contradictions of Punk IPA. Brewdog complains of delisting in giant Pubcos & then shuts 10 of its own bars
The Telegraph has reported that Brewdog Punk IPA has lost 2,000 bar top spots in recent times. It has been replaced by Camden and Beavertown beers, both promoted as ‘craft’ but in reality owned by global big beer.
How accurate the figure is might be debated but Brewdog don’t seem to dispute it. They say that along with other Independents they are being squeezed in the market. However given Brewdog is 22.3% owned by private equity outfit TSG, whose stake in the brewer in reality caps all others, its debatable how Indy it really is.
The Telegraph report notes that if Brewdog lost its listing in Wetherspoons 800 pubs (where Punk sells more cheaply than in Brewdog bars) then Punk as a brand would be finished.
Brewdog noting the trend argue that brewers and pubcos are focused on selling their own beers in outlets they own. In which case the decision to shut 10 Brewdog bars seem difficult. Brewdog also say they plan to sell more in the Indy sector. Good luck with that. There are better beers & breweries with better reputations out there.
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