The number of Guinness pubs available for purchase in the run-up to Christmas has been limited by maker Diageo following “exceptional demand” over the past three weeks.
It is understood the company is operating at 100% production capacity but has still placed restrictions on orders in Britain.
The drink has become increasingly popular among women and young people, and recent rugby internationals have put pressure on supplies.
Diageo has stepped up its marketing efforts in recent years, working with influencers to raise Guinness’ profile.
A spokesperson for Diageo said: “Over the past month we have seen exceptional consumer demand for Guinness in the UK.
“We have maximized supply and we are proactively working with our customers to manage distribution to the trade as efficiently as possible.”
Guinness sales have bucked market trends recently, according to data from food and beverage industry research firm CGA.
While overall beer consumption fell slightly between July and October, the amount of Guinness consumed from kegs rose by more than fifth.
Diageo has pumped money into Dublin’s St James’s Gate brewery and has also built a new brewery in County Kildare.
It has focused its marketing efforts on broadening Guinness’s appeal, with collaborations with Scottish singer Lewis Capaldi and actor Jason Momoa.
