Diageo confirms another increase in the price of a pint
Diageo has confirmed that it is increasing the price of its pints again from next month due to "industry-wide cost pressures".
The drinks company said that in order to maintain sustainable operations in Ireland its has informed publicans that there will be an increase to the list prices on its full draught product range.
This means that a pint of Guinness will increase by 7 cent, while 10 cent will be added to the cost of a pint of Guinness 0.0.
Diageo confirmed that the price increases will take effect from February 2, 2026.
Diageo
The Vintners’ Federation of Ireland (VFI) has strongly criticised Diageo’s decision, warning that the move will pile yet more pressure on pubs already struggling to survive.
VFI said that this latest increase comes at a time when margins are already being eroded by rising labour costs, high energy prices and ongoing inflation across all areas of the business.
Pat Crotty, chief executive of the VFI, said that for many pubs, there is simply no capacity left to absorb further supplier increases.
“Publicans are being hit from all sides, but drink costs are the biggest burden they face. This latest price increase from Diageo will put even more pressure on pubs that are already operating on extremely tight margins.
"Many will be left with no option but to pass this on to customers, which helps nobody," he said.
"Our members understand that suppliers also face rising costs, but there comes a point where pubs simply cannot keep carrying these increases alone.
"Pubs are at the heart of local communities and suppliers depend on them for their route to market.
"We expect suppliers, including Diageo, to recognise that reality and to support VFI members rather than repeatedly adding to their cost base," Crotty added.
The VFI said that repeated supplier price increases are contributing to rural pub closures.
“This isn’t just about the price of a pint. It’s about the long-term viability of pubs across the country.
"Community pubs are being pushed to the brink, and continued increases in drink prices only accelerate that trend," the VFI chief executive said.
The VFI is once again calling on both suppliers and government to recognise the scale of the challenge facing the sector.
In particular, the federation is urging government to introduce targeted supports to help pubs remain viable.
Leader of Independent Ireland Michael Collins has also strongly criticised Diageo’s decision to increase prices.
The Cork TD claimed the decision showed "a complete disconnect from the reality facing publicans on the ground".
