A string of Kent brewers have joined a nationwide campaign aimed at making it easier for consumers to identify beer from independent breweries.

The Indie Beer campaign is spearheaded by the Society of Independent Brewers and Associates (SIBA).

In total, 36 breweries from across the South East have joined more than 200 across the UK in a bid to capitalise on demand for local beer.

Among those taking part is the Wantsum Brewery in Thanet, the Westerham Brewery, the Iron Pier Brewery in Gravesend, and the Bexley Brewery in Erith.

Robert Wicks at the Westerham Brewery explains why they have got on board: “After 20 years of brewing craft beer in Kent, it is clear to us that following the purchase over the last 10 years of many craft breweries by global brewing giants, consumers are being misled.

“We must tell our loyal customers what is independent beer and what is not. We support the Indie Beer campaign to inform consumers that what is in their glass has been crafted with loving care and attention by an independent brewer.”

Andy Slee, SIBA’s chief executive, said: “Between them independent brewers employ 10,000 people, run over 2,000 pubs bars and taprooms and pay millions in taxes here in the UK. They are a force for good in the local communities they represent and it’s essential global beer companies are not taking credit for the hard work of true independent brewers.”

It points to new YouGov data it commissioned and published this week which revealed 75% of people surveyed believe consumers are being misled when purchasing beer from once independent craft breweries, such as Beavertown, Camden, and Fullers that are now owned by global beer giants Heineken, Budweiser and Asahi respectively.

The SIBA CEO added: “People want to support smaller independent businesses, but when buying these beers they’re actually spending their money with global beer giants.”

The Indie Beer campaign will see its logo on beer pumps, cans and bottle labels and includes a new ‘beer checker’ tool via its website which allows people to check who owns the brewery they’re drinking from.