Pub industry warns of Guinness supply worries before Christmas

A sudden surge in consumer demand for Guinness has left pub operators and industry leaders concerned about supply shortages during the critical Christmas period.

The issue, reported by trade news outlet The Morning Advertiser, highlights how strong demand is putting strain on distribution networks.

Diageo, the parent company of Guinness, has acknowledged the challenge but assured customers it is working to manage the situation.

A company spokesperson said: “Over the past month, we have seen exceptional consumer demand for Guinness in GB. We have maximised supply and are working proactively with our customers to manage the distribution to trade as efficiently as possible.”

Industry experts attribute the surge to factors such as the Autumn Rugby Internationals, which boosted demand during the autumn months.

According to data, sales of keg Guinness in October were 20% higher year on year.

More recent data for November is not yet available, but early indications suggest the spike has continued to grow.

Despite assurances from Diageo, pub operators remain wary.

As reported by The Morning Advertiser, a source from a major pub company described the issue as one of fulfilment rather than production, but warned it could still lead to customer dissatisfaction if Guinness is unavailable during the festive period.

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