Murphy’s Irish stout is no longer just a ‘cult favourite’ – recent huge uplifts in volume and listings have established the brand as a ‘major player’ in the category.
The brand’s owner, Heineken UK, reported that Murphy’s started 2026 with a bang, delivering record sales year-on-year with a volume uplift of 1,040% in total trade.
With the traditional stout-drinking tentpole of St Patrick’s Day fast approaching, Heineken reckons that it is well placed to continue Murphy’s growth into the second quarter.
On-trade director for Heineken UK, Will Rice, said: “Our growth over the past year has exceeded even our most ambitious expectations, and is testament to the strength of the brand itself.
“The uplift in total trade and rapid expansion into more than 2000 pubs across the country demonstrates the power of consumer demand for Murphy’s,” said Rice.
“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.”
The brand first moved back into the spotlight when the market leader, Diageo’s Guinness, reported a supply shortage over the 2024 festive season, and Murphy’s pounced with an eye-catching delivery of free kegs of Murphy’s to London pubs.
Murphy’s has since doubled its market share to 4.2%, which may seem like small beer compared to the giant of St James Gate, but is nonetheless a foothold on the burgeoning stout category, which saw year-on-year growth of 10.6% in the 2025 on-trade.
Tim Skinner, publican at The Devonshire Arms in Marylebone, London, 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.”
