Contract-Brewed craft beer brand

Local pubs and bars, bottle shops, farm shops, delis, event organisers and customers buying direct online or at markets.

You sell cases, kegs or casks at a margin above the brewing, packaging and duty costs. Direct sales online and at markets usually leave a better margin than wholesale.

• Understanding beer styles and recipe development
• Selling to pubs and shops
• Branding and label design
• Planning stock and cash flow

• Check with HMRC whether you need your own approval or can trade under the contract brewery's duty arrangements
• Check alcohol duty rules and any reliefs for small producers
• If you sell wholesale, check whether you need to register under the Alcohol Wholesaler Registration Scheme
• Check whether you need a personal or premises licence to sell direct to consumers
• Labelling, allergen and weights and measures rules for packaged drinks
• Product liability insurance
• Minimum batch sizes tie up cash, so avoid over-ordering

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around £3,000 to £15,000, depending on batch sizes, packaging and branding. Minimum batch sizes tie up cash, so avoid over-ordering when planning your first run.

Check with HMRC whether you need your own approval or can trade under the brewery's duty arrangements, alcohol duty rules and reliefs, wholesaler registration, and whether you need a licence to sell direct. Also check labelling rules and product liability insurance.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue of typically around £1,500 to £7,500, depending on sales to pubs, shops and direct customers. Estimates also suggest at least around 10 hours a week.