The list price of a pint of Guinness in Northern Ireland is going up by 4p from February 3, Belfast Telegraph can reveal.
A spokesman for Diageo in Northern Ireland confirmed that price rises being rolled out in the Republic will also apply in Northern Ireland.
Other Diageo draught products like Harp, Smithwicks and Hophouse 13 are also affected.
However, the increase on the price of a pint served to punters could go up even more than 4p when other overheads like Vat are taken into account.
Diageo said that for Guinness, the price was rising by the equivalent of a £0.04p increase in list price per pint, exclusive of Vat.
But other list price increases vary by product, the company added.
A company spokesperson said: “We continue to face increased costs across our business and as a result we have informed our Northern Ireland on-trade customers that there will be a price increase on our draught beer range, taking effect from February 3 2025.
“This increase will be across the full Diageo draught beer range’’.
As well as increases in the price of Diageo products, publicans in Northern Ireland are also facing a rise in the National Living Wage and in the rate of employer national insurance contributions. Both major overheads will go up in April.
In the Republic, from February 3, the price of Diageo’s range of draught products including Guinness, Harp, Smithwicks and Hophouse 13 will rise by six cent per pint, excluding Vat.
A pint of Guinness. Credit: Getty
Trade group The Vintner’s Federation of Ireland (VFI) criticised Diageo’s decision to again increase prices “at a time when publicans are grappling with an unprecedented cost of business”.
VFI CEO Pat Crotty said publicans “are being squeezed from every angle” and Diageo’s latest price hike “adds yet another layer of financial pressure” to an industry already struggling.
“Our members understand that costs are rising across the board, but what they need now are meaningful supports to help absorb these increases.
“We need suppliers and the government to recognise the unique pressures facing publicans and work with us to find solutions that can sustain this vital sector.
“This isn’t just about the price of a pint. It’s about the survival of pubs across Ireland. The reality is that small, community-based pubs are at breaking point.
“Without additional support, particularly in rural areas, many will simply not survive.”
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News Catch Up – Wednesday 15 January