The Largest Beer Wholesalers in the UK

Sadly, expanding your brewery’s reach is about more than just making great beer – you’ll also want to find the right distributor to support your growing brand. Whether you’re targeting local pubs or nationwide supermarkets, choosing the right partner is key to getting your products into the hands of more drinkers.

The UK has a wide range of beer wholesalers, each offering unique strengths and areas of focus. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the largest beer distributors in the UK, breaking down their offerings to help you find the best fit for your brewery.

So, let’s get into it – here are some of the top beer wholesalers in the UK, in order of approximate total assets as reported to Companies House.

Matthew Clark - Est. Assets: £346.7m

  • Location: Bristol
  • Areas Served: Nationwide, focusing on pubs, bars, and restaurants across the UK.
  • Focus: Broad range of beers, wines, spirits, and soft drinks, catering to both mainstream and craft brands.
  • Highlights:
    • Nationwide delivery with a robust logistics network.
    • Customisable training and marketing support for venues.
    • Extensive online ordering portal.
    • Exclusive deals with popular brands and premium beverages.
  • Est. Turnover: £956.4m

Matthew Clark is one of the UK’s leading drinks wholesalers, primarily serving the on-trade market. With over two centuries in the business, it’s recognised for its extensive product range and large-scale distribution capabilities.

While it’s highly regarded for its reliable logistics and value-added services like training and marketing, some smaller producers may feel its size makes it less tailored to niche needs. However, for larger breweries or those seeking consistent national reach, Matthew Clark is a solid option with deep market connections.

LWC Drinks - Est. Assets: £247.6m

  • Location: Manchester
  • Areas Served: Nationwide, covering both on-trade and off-trade venues across the UK.
  • Focus: Wide range of beer, wine, spirits, and soft drinks, catering to pubs, restaurants, hotels, and off-licences.
  • Highlights:
    • Over 13,500 customers nationwide.
    • Extensive online ordering system available 24/7.
    • Customised staff training and business support services.
    • Access to signature and premium brands.
  • Est. Turnover: £609.9m

LWC Drinks is the UK’s largest independent drinks wholesaler, offering a broad portfolio of products to licensed establishments. With nearly 1,000 employees and depots across the UK, they provide both national coverage and localised service.

Known for their personalised account management, LWC supports clients with marketing, training, and event planning. However, their size may be intimidating for smaller breweries, and some producers might prefer more niche-focused distributors.

Dayla Drinks - Est. Assets: £17.4m

  • Location: Clinton, Buckinghamshire
  • Areas Served: Focused on Southern England, particularly Buckinghamshire and the Home Counties.
  • Focus: Cask ales, craft beer, wine, spirits, and soft drinks.
  • Highlights:
    • One of the UK's largest cask ale distributors.
    • Technical services, including equipment hire and event support.
    • Specialist wine and draught soft drinks divisions.
    • Family-run business with over four generations of experience.
  • Est. Turnover: £54.4m

Dayla Drinks is a family-owned wholesaler with a long history, dating back to the 1800s. Their expertise in cask ales and partnerships with local and regional brewers make them a trusted supplier, particularly in Southern England. Though smaller than some national competitors, their local focus, personal service, and technical support set them apart.

James Clay and Sons - Est. Assets: £10.0m

  • Location: Brighouse, West Yorkshire
  • Areas Served: Nationwide, with a focus on specialty beers for pubs, bars, and retailers.
  • Focus: Craft and world beers, with a particular emphasis on Belgian, German, and American imports.
  • Highlights:
    • Exclusive access to globally renowned breweries.
    • Extensive beer portfolio covering niche and premium brands.
    • Support for independent venues with tailored beer selections.
  • Est. Turnover: £28.7m

James Clay and Sons is well-regarded in the UK craft beer scene, known for its focus on importing high-quality international and craft beers. Established in 1978, the company has cultivated strong relationships with iconic breweries worldwide, offering a diverse selection that appeals to discerning beer enthusiasts and specialty venues.

While its range is extensive, the focus on premium, niche beers means it may not cater as well to producers looking for mainstream volume distribution. However, for brewers and venues seeking rare and specialist offerings, James Clay is an industry leader.

Inn Express - Est. Assets: £6.8m

  • Location: Haselor, Warwickshire
  • Areas Served: Primarily serves Midlands, South West, and parts of Wales.
  • Focus: Comprehensive drinks range, including craft beer, wines, spirits, cider, and soft drinks.
  • Highlights:
    • Over 7,000 products available, with no minimum order requirement.
    • Specialises in craft beer and offers rotating stock.
    • In-house fleet for regular deliveries.
    • Custom menu design and printing services.
  • Est. Turnover: £29.1m

Inn Express is an independent wholesaler, known for its focus on craft beer and flexible services. Their wide product range and personalised support make them a popular choice for independent pubs and venues, especially in the Midlands and South West. However, their regional focus may be a limitation for those seeking broader national reach.

HB Clark - Est. Assets: £6.3m

  • Location: Stanley, West Yorkshire
  • Areas Served: Primarily Northern England with a focus on local pubs, bars, and independent venues.
  • Focus: Beer, wines, spirits, and soft drinks, with a particular emphasis on regional brews and craft ales.
  • Highlights:
    • Over 100 years of experience in the drinks industry.
    • Part of the Kitwave Wholesale Group, offering broad distribution support.
    • Specialist in supplying cask ales and regional beers.
  • Est. Turnover: Unknown

HB Clark is a well-established distributor in Northern England with over a century of experience. Known for its focus on regional and craft beers, the company is a trusted partner for local pubs and independent venues.

As part of the Kitwave Group, HB Clark benefits from enhanced logistical support, making it a solid option for those seeking a local but reliable service. However, smaller producers may find its regional focus limiting if they are looking for broader UK distribution.

Cave Direct - Est. Assets: £6.1m

  • Location: Larkfield, Kent
  • Areas Served: Nationwide, covering 90% of the UK through its own fleet.
  • Focus: Specialises in craft beer imports, with a strong focus on European and American breweries.
  • Highlights:
    • Independent, family-run business with over 40 years of experience.
    • Exclusive partnerships with top craft breweries.
    • Wide range of heritage and innovative brands.
    • On-site account managers and technical support for venues.
  • Est. Turnover: Unknown

Cave Direct is a leading craft beer wholesaler in the UK, with a focus on high-quality imports from Europe and beyond. Their expertise in craft beer, combined with exclusive relationships with well-known breweries, makes them a strong choice for pubs and bars seeking unique and premium beers.

Despite their focus on craft, they maintain a strong logistical network, delivering efficiently to most of the UK. Smaller producers may find Cave Direct’s niche focus appealing, especially if they aim to target craft beer enthusiasts.

ASD Wholesale - Est. Assets: £5.7m

  • Location: Huthwaite, Nottinghamshire
  • Areas Served: Primarily East Midlands, including Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire.
  • Focus: Keg, cask, bottled beers, wines, spirits, and soft drinks, offering products from major manufacturers.
  • Highlights:
    • Independent wholesaler established in 1986, serving licensed trade.
    • Emphasis on customer service with flexible ordering.
    • Provides a wide range of snacks and bar sundries alongside drinks.
    • Sister company Saxton Cooper Vintners expands wine offerings.
  • Est. Turnover: Unknown

ASD Wholesale is a family-run, independent wholesaler known for its focus on customer care and service within the East Midlands. They provide a comprehensive range of beverages to the licensed trade and have expanded over the years with a reputation for reliability.

Though their scale is regional, they are well-suited to local businesses looking for a dependable, personal touch.

The Beer Trading Company - Est. Assets: £3.6m

  • Location: Middlewich, Cheshire
  • Areas Served: Primarily Cheshire, Manchester, North Wales, Shropshire, Staffordshire, and the Wirral.
  • Focus: Beers, ciders, spirits, wines, and soft drinks, with a strong emphasis on supplying the licensed trade.
  • Highlights:
    • Established in 1999, providing reliable delivery and service.
    • Strong focus on customer service with flexible, same-day delivery options.
    • Supports independent venues with tailored service.
  • Est. Turnover: Unknown

The Beer Trading Company is a regional wholesaler known for its reliable service and close relationships with customers. Serving pubs, clubs, and hospitality venues, they focus on providing a broad drinks range, flexible deliveries, and strong customer support. Their regional approach makes them well-suited for independent businesses looking for a dependable, locally-focused partner.

Pig's Ears - Est. Assets: £2.1m

  • Location: Rowhook, West Sussex
  • Areas Served: Primarily London, the South East, and the South West of England.
  • Focus: Specialises in distributing craft beers from the UK and international breweries.
  • Highlights:
    • Two distribution centres for efficient service across multiple regions.
    • Dedicated to supporting independent venues with unique craft beers.
    • New online B2B ordering platform with live stock updates.
  • Est. Turnover: Unknown

Pig's Ears is an independent craft beer distributor known for curating high-quality brews from both the UK and international breweries. With strong regional coverage and a focus on supporting niche venues, it offers a tailored service for businesses looking to stand out in the craft beer market. The company's dedication to efficiency and innovation is reflected in its new online platform, providing convenience and transparency for its customers.

Euroboozer - Est. Assets: £1.9m

  • Location: Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire
  • Areas Served: Nationwide, with a focus on premium craft beer for hospitality, retail, and supermarkets.
  • Focus: Specialist in imported and UK craft beers, particularly from Europe.
  • Highlights:
    • Works with both small independent venues and high-profile chains like Harvey Nichols and Sainsbury’s.
    • Provides cellar services, staff training, and brand development support.
    • Exclusive UK partnerships with renowned breweries.
  • Est. Turnover: Unknown

Euroboozer is a well-regarded distributor focused on craft beer imports, especially from Europe, while also supporting UK-based brewers. Their expertise extends beyond distribution, offering value-added services such as cellar maintenance and brand development, making them a solid partner for premium venues looking to elevate their craft beer offerings.

Pivovar - Est. Assets: £1.7m

  • Location: Elvington, North Yorkshire
  • Areas Served: Nationwide, with a focus on supplying craft beer to pubs, bars, restaurants, and bottle shops.
  • Focus: Specialist in premium craft beers, including cask, keg, and bottled varieties from the UK and international brewers.
  • Highlights:
    • Exclusive UK distribution for renowned breweries.
    • Support for independent venues and producers with tailored product offerings.
    • Range of on-trade and off-trade distribution channels.
  • Est. Turnover: Unknown

Pivovar is well-known for championing independent and craft beer, both in the UK and internationally. Their broad product portfolio and connections to premium breweries make them a go-to wholesaler for venues seeking a diverse and high-quality beer selection.

With a focus on delivering both cask and keg beers, Pivovar also offers support for smaller breweries looking to expand their distribution. However, their niche focus might be best suited for venues or retailers prioritising craft offerings over mainstream products.

Heathwick - Est. Assets: £788k

  • Location: Sale, Greater Manchester
  • Areas Served: Nationwide, with a focus on importing and distributing premium craft beers and unique beverages.
  • Focus: Importing and distributing craft beers, spirits, wines, and soft drinks, with an emphasis on American craft beers.
  • Highlights:
    • Exclusive UK partnerships with several renowned American breweries.
    • Focus on brand building and strategic marketing for imported beverages.
    • Specialises in unique, high-quality drinks for niche markets.
  • Est. Turnover: Unknown

Heathwick is an importer and distributor focused on delivering unique craft beers and beverages to the UK market. They work closely with international breweries, particularly from the US, to bring distinctive brands to British consumers. Their expertise lies in brand development, and they provide strategic marketing and sales support for the products they distribute.

With a focus on quality and differentiation, Heathwick appeals to both breweries looking to break into the UK and venues seeking standout drinks for their customers.

Premier PubCo - Est. Assets: £434k

  • Location: Cannock, Staffordshire
  • Areas Served: Midlands, with a focus on supplying pubs, clubs, and restaurants.
  • Focus: Beers, wines, spirits, and soft drinks, primarily catering to the hospitality sector.
  • Highlights:
    • Same-day delivery on orders placed before noon.
    • Offers event planning and cellar services.
    • Established relationships with major brewers and drinks suppliers.
  • Est. Turnover: Unknown

Premier PubCo is a Midlands-based independent drinks wholesaler, offering a wide range of beers, wines, and spirits. Their flexible, customer-focused service, including same-day delivery and event support, makes them a solid choice for venues looking for a reliable, locally-focused supplier.

Their relationships with large brewers and spirit producers provide a good mix of mainstream and premium offerings, though their regional focus may not suit breweries seeking broader national reach.

Beer Paradise - Est. Assets: £234k

  • Location: Tockwith, North Yorkshire
  • Areas Served: Primarily Northern England, with delivery focused on Yorkshire, Lancashire, and nearby regions.
  • Focus: Specialises in UK craft beers, Belgian beers, and international imports, with over 500 beers in its portfolio.
  • Highlights:
    • A well-curated selection of British, Belgian, and global beers.
    • Provides draught options alongside bottled and canned selections.
    • Known for offering unique and exciting beers to the UK market.
  • Est. Turnover: Unknown

Beer Paradise is a UK-based beer wholesaler with a strong focus on bringing diverse craft and specialty beers to market. They offer a broad portfolio that appeals to pubs, retailers, and breweries looking for unique, globally-sourced beers. While their range is impressive, they cater particularly well to those seeking niche and high-quality beverages.

RAD Beer - Est. Assets: £234k

  • Location: Shrewsbury, Shropshire
  • Areas Served: Nationwide, with a focus on independent venues and craft beer retailers.
  • Focus: Specialises in craft beer, offering a broad selection of cask, keg, and bottled beers from top UK and international breweries.
  • Highlights:
    • Known for sourcing exciting beers directly from leading brewers.
    • Strong focus on quality, with cold storage to ensure freshness.
    • Extensive range of cider and small-pack beer alongside draught options.
  • Est. Turnover: Unknown

RAD Beer offers a specialised service for venues seeking high-quality craft beers. Their focus on freshness and direct relationships with breweries makes them an appealing option for venues and retailers looking for curated, premium beverages.

Skip the Middleman, Maximise Your Margins

Why share your hard-earned profits with a wholesaler when you can have direct access to the UK’s top venues and retailers? At Tap’in, we give you full control over your distribution, allowing you to sell directly to pubs, bars, and retailers without managing your own fleet.

Whether you're targeting on-trade or off-trade, we ensure your products are delivered where you want, when you want – maximising your margins and growing your brand on your terms.

No wholesalers, no extra costs – just you, your beer, and your customers.

Ready to take control? Get in touch with Tap’in today and let’s talk about how we can help you deliver your products directly to customers.

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