Murphy’s, the classic Irish stout, has started 2026 with a bang, delivering record sales year on year with a total volume uplift of 1,040% in total trade^[1]. With St Patrick’s Day approaching – one of the biggest annual occasions for stout – Murphy’s believes it is well placed to continue its growth into Q2. The stout brand, which has seen continued success since Murphy’s brewer, HEINEKEN UK took to the streets of the capital to hand deliver free kegs to London pubs during a shortage of the market leader in a Christmas PR rollout, is now in over 2,000 pubs nationwide to satisfy growing consumer demand.

The standout performer in the Long Alcoholic Drinks Category in 2025, stout saw year-on-year growth of 10.6% in the On-Trade^[2], with Murphy’s now accounting for 4.2% of the category – doubling its market share^[3].

The brand has also experienced exponential growth in the Off-Trade – since the launch in national supermarkets last March, Murphy’s has grown to4.2% value share and 5.5% volume share of the stout market^[4].

Will Rice, On-Trade Director for HEINEKEN UK says: “Our growth over the past year has exceeded even our most ambitious expectations, and is testament to strength of the brand itself. The uplift in total trade and rapid expansion into more than 2,000 pubs across the country demonstrates the power of consumer demand for Murphy’s. As we approach St Patrick’s Day – a key trading moment for the stout category – we’re excited to support operators with a brand that consumers are actively seeking out. Murphy’s is no longer a cult favourite – it’s firmly establishing itself as a major player in the stout category.”

Tim Skinner, Publican at The Devonshire Arms, commented: “Murphy’s has opened up fresh opportunity in the stout category. We’re seeing consumers explore beyond the traditional options, and Murphy’s meets that need with a point of difference that genuinely converts on taste. For operators, it’s a simple way to future‑proof your bar offering – it fills a gap in the category and gives operators a low‑risk, high‑return addition that broadens customer appeal.”

[1] MSO P13, YTD

[2] Pint and Progress Report – CGA by NIQ 2025

[3] MAT, CGA OPM Data to 27/12/2025

[4] NIQ Scantrack | 12 Wks to We 03.01.26 | Total Coverage *excluding alcohol free stout brands