Shepherd Neame to Raise Beer Prices as Labour Policies Increase Costs

The UK's oldest brewer will implement price hikes and cost efficiencies to address a £2.6 million annual impact from rising taxes and wages.

Shepherd Neame, operating 290 pubs in South East England, will increase beer prices starting April 2025 to offset higher costs from new government policies.
The Labour Government's measures, including higher employer national insurance contributions and a raised minimum wage, are projected to cost the company £2.6 million annually.
The brewer plans to mitigate the cost increases over the next 18 months through operational efficiencies and passing costs to customers via price hikes.
Despite a 12.6% decline in beer volumes in late 2024, Shepherd Neame reported a 10% profit increase, driven by strong Christmas trading and easing inflation.
CEO Jonathan Neame remains optimistic about the future, citing expectations of economic recovery, rising disposable incomes, and falling interest rates.