The rest is made under contract by major brewers all over the country.

We operate in partnership with some of the major brewers around the world.

And not only are the major brewers at fault.

So what may be expected now that the deadline for disposals by the major brewers has passed?

Miller will become the second major brewer to focus on growing consumer interest in translucent drinks.

Most of these new management teams have drawn their expertise from earlier times with one or other of the major brewers.

For despite their other shortcomings, most of the major brewers have been able and willing to cross-subsidise many less profitable houses.

Anglo-Welsh remains significantly smaller than the major national brewers with whom it hopes to compete.

Besides, there has been plenty of winnowing among microbreweries even without the major brewers taking an interest.

Guinness is sold through all the major brewer's outlets, and accounts for 4.5 per cent of total beer sales.