Guinness Dominates UK Pubs, But a New Challenger Emerges
Guinness, once a niche choice, now dominates UK pubs. However, a new contender quietly challenges its reign. Discover the unexpected twist in the stout saga, which will consequently change the paradigm.
Guinness Fever Hits the UK
Guinness is the UK’s bestselling draft beer, accounting for one in every nine pints pulled. For this reason, it holds a sizable 80% market share in Irish stout. Celebrities like Kim Kardashian have fuelled its popularity. Also, Gen Z has also taken a liking to Guinness, enjoying it in abundance.
Guinness’s Rise to Fame
Content creators have dedicated videos to finding the best pint of Guinness. Despite well-documented shortages, demand for Guinness continues to grow.
Supply Shortages Open the Door to Competitors
Diageo’s supply problems led to Guinness shortages in UK pubs. Consequently, this opened the door to competitors. One particular brand, reigning supreme in Cork, quietly vies for the Guinness crown.
Murphy’s: The Sweeter, Malty Alternative
Murphy’s, made by Heineken, boasts a sweeter, malty flavour. At 4% ABV, it’s a better choice for longer sessions. Many say Murphy’s is better for a longer session than Guinness.
Murphy’s Gains Ground in the UK
Murphy’s is now available in 500 pubs across the UK as a result of the Guinness shortage. Conversely, Heineken UK reports surges in London and the northwest. Therefore, the demand for Murphy’s has skyrocketed by 632% in the UK as a result of Guinness scarcity.
Industry Reaction
“These outstanding sales figures show demand for stout among UK pub-goers is in no way slowing down,” a Murphy’s UK spokesperson said.
Heineken’s Commitment
Heineken UK on-trade director Will Rice said Murphy’s is well-placed to build on this growth. “We’re seeing no indication that operators will take Murphy’s off bars in 2025,” Rice added.
Seizing the Moment
As Diageo struggles to meet Guinness demand, Murphy’s swoops in. Furthermore, Heineken UK delivered kegs of Murphy’s to London pubs during the Christmas campaign, standing as a credible alternative.
The Future of Irish Stout
While Guinness brews more than ever, Murphy’s might just give it a run for its money. Gen Z’s next favourite tipple could be Murphy’s.
Murphy’s annual turnover is over €1 billion, with major operations in the UK, Canada, and Ireland. In 2023, the company’s group revenue was £1.421 billion, which is a 5% decline from the previous year. However, in 2022, the group revenue was £1.491 billion, representing a 17% increase from 2021.
It’s worth noting that Murphy’s financial performance has been strong in recent years, with the company reporting significant growth in operating profit and net cash.
Competitors in the Irish stout market include:
Beamish: Known for its smooth, fruitier taste, Beamish is a popular Irish stout that’s similar to Guinness.
Guinness: As one of the most recognised beer brands globally, Guinness is a major player in the Irish stout market, with a robust, bitter flavour.
O’Hara’s Irish Stout: Representing the flagship product of O’Hara’s brand, this stout is brewed with traditional Irish methods and ingredients.
These brands offer distinct flavour profiles and brewing traditions, catering to different tastes and preferences within the Irish stout category.
Short History of Murphy’s Stout
Murphy’s stout was established in 1856 and has undergone significant expansion since its purchase by Heineken in 1983. Heineken’s acquisition exposed Murphy’s to the international drinking community, leading to a substantial increase in its global presence.
Key Expansion Milestones:
International Television Advertising: Heineken launched international TV ads to promote Murphy’s, introducing the brand to a broader audience.
Distribution Expansion: Murphy’s is now available in various countries, including the UK, Norway, Italy, and the US, with a significant presence in major supermarkets and pubs.
Brewing Capacity: Heineken brews Murphy’s at its Tadcaster plant in North Yorkshire for the UK market and some export markets, ensuring a steady supply to meet growing demand.
Canned Murphy’s: The brand is also available in cans, featuring a nitrogen widget to simulate the tap version’s creamy head.
Recent Growth:
In 2024, Murphy’s experienced a remarkable 632% surge in demand in the UK, largely due to a Guinness shortage.
This growth demonstrates the brand’s increasing popularity and its potential to challenge Guinness’s dominance in the Irish stout market.
Overall, Heineken’s acquisition and strategic expansion efforts have transformed Murphy’s into a globally recognised brand, poised for continued growth and success.
