A new trade association has been launched today, on St David’s Day, to promote brewers and pub operators in Wales.
The Welsh Beer & Pub Association will represent the wide range of beer and pub businesses in Wales, campaigning for policy outcomes that help protect and grow the sector.
It will work alongside the British Beer & Pub Association, the Welsh Government, the Senedd and UK Government to achieve these outcomes.
There are over 3,000 pubs in Wales and approximately 120 breweries, with the overall Welsh beer and pub sector supporting 42,000 jobs and contributing nearly £1bn in Gross Value Added to the economy.
Emma McClarkin, Chief Executive of the newly formed Welsh Beer & Pub Association, said, “With over 3,000 pubs and 120 breweries, Wales is a vital hub for our sector. In recognition of this, we are proud to launch the Welsh Beer & Pub Association – a body solely aimed at promoting Welsh brewers and pub operators and given them a much-heard voice with both the Wales Government and UK Government.
“Given that today is St David’s Day, it could not be a better day to launch this important new trade association. I urge pubs and brewers who feel they need a voice to get in touch to find out how we can help them.”
Mark Davies (pictured), CEO of Hawthorn with 26 pubs in Wales, and Chairman of the Welsh Beer and Pub Association, said, “Pubs and the brewing industry have been at the heart of Welsh communities for centuries.
'As a Welshman born and bred, I’m proud to stand alongside my industry colleagues as part of the WBPA, to promote the beer and pub sector in Wales. The people of Wales are proud of their heritage and pubs are part of the social fabric that makes Wales such a great place to live and work.”
Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism, Lord Elis-Thomas, said, 'The brewing and pub sector is a vital contributor to Welsh communities as well as for the Welsh economy. The last 12 months have been uniquely challenging for hospitality and their supply chains and for that reason I have valued the positive working relationship that has been developed with the industry.
'I look forward building on the constructive discussions we have had over the course of the pandemic, and to working with the Welsh Beer and Pub Association as the sector begins its journey along the road to recovery.'
Jack Sergeant MS, Chair of the Cross-Party Group on Beer and Pubs, said, “I know the huge role the brewing and pubs sector plays in our communities and its importance to the Welsh economy. The launch of the Association is brilliant news and I look forward to working closely with them to secure a bright future for pubs across Wales as we look to rebuild post-Covid.”