The latest figures from Cask Matters has shown premium ales showing the strongest growth, as the sector continues to outperform the overall beer market.
Figures for the first quarter of 2015 show overall growth of 0.8% for cask ale, with premium cask up against the same time last year by 1.7% in January, 5.1% in February and 1.8% in March. Total on-trade beer sales during the quarter were down 2.4%.
Cask Matters said it showed the resilience of cask ale with total sales of 2,204,000 barrels in 2012, 2,223,000 in 2013 and 2,248,000 in 2014.
The organisation said: “Although standard ales still represent the largest part of the cask ale market, it is the premium ales (those ales over 4.1% ABV), that are continuing to show the strongest growth, demonstrating the move from session beers to stronger, premium beers amongst an increasing number of drinkers.”
The figures are all taken from the British Beer and Pub Association Barrelage Survey.
