Breweries break through 2,000 barrier amid craft beer boom

The number of breweries has broken through the 2,000 barrier for the first time since the 1930s, a new study reveals.

The milestone follows a 64% increase over the past five years, said accountancy group UHY Hacker Young.

The UK has experienced a craft beer "revolution", with rising sales of artisan beers in pubs and supermarkets, while more microbreweries are opening, the research found.

James Simmonds, of UHY Hacker Young, said: "The craft beer boom has reversed around 70 years of consolidation in the brewing industry. There is plenty of growth still to come.

"However, the majors are beginning to make a fightback by acquiring craft brewers and launching their own artisan-style brands.

"The craft brewers can't afford to rest on their laurels - they will need to work hard to get their product into that limited shelf space and bar space."