Wetherspoons axes nation’s favourite beer amid pint price rise warnings
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Wetherspoons is set to stop offering a popular beer brand that was recently named the country's favorite, leading to significant backlash from commentators.
Starting in November, the large pub chain will stop offering San Miguel, the well-liked Spanish pale lager. Instead, customers will be able to enjoy the Italian beer Poretti, which will be priced at under £4 per pint in most venues.
Established in 1890 in Manila, Philippines, San Miguel was recently voted the country’s top beer in a YouGov survey conducted in early October.
Many customers have turned to social media to share their frustrations, with one person wondering, "Is this for real?"
"I plan to join the protest," another person stated.
Not everyone was unhappy, as one commenter noted, "San Miguel tastes terrible; it's the one Spanish beer I can't stand. However, Poretti is quite good."
Mahou San Miguel (MSM), the Spanish division of the brand, was established in 1953 and has collaborated with Carlsberg Marston’s Brewing Company (CMBC) for the last 15 years.
Nonetheless, this collaboration will come to an end at the year's close, leading many to believe that it could influence the decisions made by Wetherspoon’s leadership.
Commenting on the conclusion of the licensing agreement, CMBC CEO Paul Davies expressed, “We’re obviously let down by this outcome and are focusing on minimizing its effects on our operations.”
"We take great pride in our accomplishments over the past 15 years with MSM, where we've greatly expanded distribution and seen substantial growth in the San Miguel brand's volume."
This update follows Wetherspoons chief Tim Martin's recent statement, where he indicated that the budget pub chain may increase its prices after Labour's budget announcement in October.
He stated, “After peaking in 2022, cost inflation gradually decreased over the next two years. However, it has risen significantly once more after the Budget announcement.”
We think that all businesses in the hospitality sector are likely to raise their prices as a consequence.
"Wetherspoon will continue to do its best to remain competitive at all times."
Wetherspoon, operating close to 800 pubs nationwide, has announced that it anticipates a rise in its tax and business expenses of approximately £60 million for the upcoming financial year.
