The Big Six breweries in the UK during the time were Whitbread, Scottish and Newcastle, Bass Charrington, Allied Breweries, Courage Imperial, and Watneys. These breweries held a significant amount of power and influence in the brewing industry, dominating the market and shaping the beer landscape in the UK.
Whitbread Brewery, founded in 1742, was one of the oldest and largest breweries in the country. They were known for their traditional brewing methods and their range of beers, including their iconic Whitbread Pale Ale. Whitbread had a strong presence in both the on-trade and off-trade sectors, supplying pubs and supermarkets across the country.
Scottish and Newcastle, another major player in the industry, was a result of a merger between Scottish Brewers and Newcastle Breweries in 1960. They had a diverse portfolio of beers, including well-known brands like Newcastle Brown Ale and McEwan's. Scottish and Newcastle had a strong regional presence in Scotland and the northeast of England, but their beers were also widely available throughout the UK.
Bass Charrington was formed from the merger of Bass Brewery and Charrington United Breweries in 1967. Bass, founded in 1777, was one of the most famous breweries in the UK, known for its pale ale and strong bitter. Charrington also had a rich history, with roots dating back to the 18th century. The merger created a brewing giant with a wide range of beers and a strong presence in both the on-trade and off-trade sectors.
Allied Breweries, formed in 1961, was a result of the merger between Ind Coope, Tetley Walker, Ansells, and Taylor Walker. This consolidation brought together a variety of regional breweries and their respective beer brands. Allied Breweries had a diverse range of products, including ales, stouts, and lagers, catering to different consumer preferences across the country.
Courage Imperial, part of the Courage Brewery, was known for its strong and full-bodied beers. The brewery had a long history, tracing back to the 18th century. Courage Imperial was particularly popular for its Courage Russian Stout, a rich and robust beer that gained a cult following among beer enthusiasts.
Watneys, although not as well-regarded as some of the other breweries, was still a significant player in the industry. They were known for their Watneys Red Barrel, a mass-produced beer that became a symbol of the era. Watneys had a strong marketing presence and focused on volume production, supplying their beers to pubs and supermarkets nationwide.
These Big Six breweries held a dominant position in the UK brewing industry, controlling a large share of the market. Their influence extended beyond their beer production, as they also owned a vast network of pubs and distribution channels. However, as the beer landscape evolved and consumer preferences changed, these breweries faced challenges and eventually saw a decline in their dominance.