·E23

The Rise of Indie Beer with Neil Walker

March 16

43 mins

Episode Description

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:

Website: https://www.beerrepchats.com/

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