Guinness is hugely popular at the Cheltenham Festival (Image: Getty)
punters risk running into a shortage of Guinness at the popular racing event in March. Stocks of the festival’s staple beverage are said to be running dry due to unprecedented demand.
The Irish stout has grown in popularity among women and younger drinkers. According to research by Censuswide and the Racing Post, 13.75 per cent of UK residents say Guinness is their favourite alcoholic pint to drink.
A poll of 800 people – excluding 200 who said they did not drink – found that Guinness is nearly two per cent more popular than Stella Artois. Budweiser was third at 7 per cent and San Miguel won 6.9 per cent.
There are fears that the Cheltenham Festival’s Trials Day this weekend will rinse local supplies of Guinness. Should those concerns come to fruition, there could be a risk of supply running dry ahead of the March festival.
Guinness is said to have become so popular that owner Diageo began rationing supplies ahead of Christmas. They feared running out of supplies during the festive period without restrictions. Diageo have dismissed speculation that it was a publicity stunt.
Debra Crew, the chief executive of Diageo, said last year: “We are seeing more and more Guinness drinkers that are women. I certainly notice this in pubs.
“It looks kind of intimidating, right? And it did come from this kind of rugby lad culture. And yet I think when women find that they try it, actually it’s lighter than what they think it’s going to be.”
A spokesperson for the Licensed Vintners Association said: “The surge in Guinness’ popularity has been phenomenal, but it’s placing immense pressure on breweries, distributors, and pubs.
“With the Cheltenham Festival just weeks after the January race meet, there’s genuine concern that availability could be severely impacted, especially if consumption trends continue.”
The Cheltenham Festival is at risk of a Guinness shortage (Image: Getty)
According to , Diageo are considering cashing in on Guinness’ booming popularity. Selling the brand could land Diageo north of a whopping £8billion.
They are reportedly examining whether to sell Guinness while retaining a stake, or to relinquish control completely.
Diageo’s brands tend to be spirits, rather than beers, including Johnnie Walker whisky, Tanqueray gin and Baileys. It also has a 34 per cent stake in Moet Hennessy.
Cheltenham Festival goers will hope that supplies of the popular drink are topped up ahead of the event.