Overview
- Heineken says Murphy’s now pours in 1,550 UK outlets as of November 19 after a targeted sales drive.
- Pub bosses report paying roughly £130–£135 for an 88‑pint Murphy’s keg versus about £150–£155 for Guinness, improving margins.
- Some groups have swapped lines at selected sites, though at least one operator reinstated Guinness where customer demand proved decisive.
- Diageo rejects claims it is overcharging and says the average UK pint of Guinness is priced 8% below world premium lagers, citing brand investment that drives footfall.
- The push followed a nationwide Guinness shortage late last year and early this year, and comes as Guinness remains the UK’s top-selling beer, accounting for about one in nine pints.