The History of the Beer and Brewing Industry

Beer is widely defined as the result of the brewing process which has been refined and improved over centuries. Beer is the drink of the masses – it is bought by consumers whose income, wealth, education, and ethnic background vary substantially, something which can be seen by taking a look at the range of customers in any pub, inn, or bar. But why has beer became so pervasive? What are the historical factors which make beer and the brewing industry so prominent? How has the brewing industry developed to become one of the most powerful global generators of output and revenue?

This book answers these and other related questions by exploring the history of the beer and brewing industry at a global level. Contributors investigate a number of aspects, such as the role of geographical origin in branding; mergers, acquisitions, and corporate governance (UK, European and US perspectives); national and international political economy; taxation and regulation (including historical and contemporary practice); national and international trade flows and distribution networks; and historical trends in the commercialisation of beer. The chapters in this book were originally published as online articles in Business History.

Ignazio Cabras is a Reader in Economics, Business and Management at Newcastle Business School, Northumbria University, Newcastle, UK. In recent years, he has led several research projects investigating the significant role that microbreweries and pubs play within local economies, and measuring the positive impact of these businesses on communities and supply chains.

David Higgins is a Professor in the Accounting and Finance Division at Newcastle University Business School, UK. He has published articles on Bass’ trademarks and business strategy during the nineteenth century, and the corporate strategies of some of the UK’s leading brewers. He is the guest editor (with Ignazio Cabras) of a special issue on the history of the beer and brewing industry.