In this episode of The Beer Rep Chats With, I’m joined once again by Neil Walker from the Society of Independent Brewers and Associates to reflect on the progress of the Indie Beer Campaign one year after its launch.
When Neil first joined me on the podcast, the campaign had only just begun. Now, twelve months later, we look at how the movement has grown across the UK, with hundreds of breweries joining the initiative and increasing awareness among drinkers about what truly defines an independent brewery.
We also dive into retail partnerships, including the launch of an Indie Beer section with Waitrose, the growing support from pubs and venues, and the wider challenges independent breweries still face when trying to access the market.
Neil also discusses how the campaign connects with the wider work of SIBA, including events like BeerX — the UK’s largest independent brewing trade show — where breweries, suppliers, and industry professionals come together to share knowledge, celebrate beer, and discuss the future of the sector.
From supermarket listings and consumer education to industry events and the upcoming Indie Beer Week, this conversation explores what it really takes to support independent breweries in today’s beer landscape.
LINKS:
Indie Beer Campaign: https://indiebeer.uk/
BeerX: https://www.beerx.org/
SIBA: https://siba.co.uk/
PODCAST:
CHAPTERS:
00:00 - 01:09 Welcoming Neil Walker Back to the Podcast
01:10 - 04:36 One Year of the Indie Beer Campaign
04:37 - 11:57 The Waitrose Indie Beer Section
11:58 - 15:30 The Challenges Independent Breweries Still Face
15:31 - 21:48 The Fight for Indie Beer in UK Pubs
21:49 - 28:10 BeerX: The UK’s Biggest Independent Brewing Event
28:11 - 30:14 Maximising Opportunities at BeerX
30:15 - 38:46 Indie Beer Awards & The World Beer Cup
38:47 - 42:42 Engaging with SIBA and the Indie Beer Campaign
42:43 - Wrap Up & Outro
