Four hundred kegs of Guinness containing 35,200 pints have been stolen in one of the largest ever thefts of the iconic Irish stout.
The heist took place at a logistics hub near Daventry, Northamptonshire, as criminals sought to exploit a nationwide shortage of the popular drink.
The stolen kegs were destined for numerous pubs to meet heightened festive season demand.
A source close to the investigation indicated the theft represents less than 0.5 per cent of weekly Guinness production, describing it as a "tiny proportion" of overall output.
Guinness guzzlers faced a shortage last month
PA
Diageo, the multinational company behind Guinness, has declined to comment on the incident.
The lorry was reported stolen in mid-December by a subcontractor working within the supply chain.
Northamptonshire Police have not responded to requests for comment regarding the incident.
A police investigation into what has been described as a "potential theft" remains ongoing.
The heist appears strategically timed to capitalise on the peak Christmas period, when demand for Guinness traditionally surges.
The incident, first reported by The Guardian newspaper, has been described as a minor setback for the brewer.
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A stock image of a Guinness lorry in Dublin
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The theft echoes a similar incident from 2007, when thieves targeted the Dublin brewery, making off with 180 kegs of Guinness alongside 180 kegs of Budweiser and 90 kegs of Carlsberg, totalling 40,000 pints.
The theft comes amid widespread Guinness shortages across the UK, with some pubs implementing rationing measures to avoid running dry.
The drink has seen a surge in popularity among younger consumers, particularly on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok.
A viral challenge called "split the G" has gained traction, with participants filming themselves drinking the stout until the foam touches the letter G on branded glasses.
Celebrities including Ed Sheeran and Niall Horan have participated in the social media trend.
Diageo has actively courted this younger demographic, working with online influencers to appeal to Generation Z - those born between the mid-1990s and 2010s.
Empty Guinness glasses
GettySome industry observers have speculated whether the reported "stout drought" might be a publicity stunt timed for the Christmas period.
Diageo has announced plans for a "phased replenishment" of supplies this month, following December's rationing measures.
The company is racing to restore stock levels ahead of the Six Nations rugby tournament, which it has sponsored since 2018.
The stout remains particularly popular among rugby fans, making the tournament a crucial period for sales.
The brewer's Dublin facility, which produces all Guinness, is working to meet the increased demand.
The timing of the Daventry theft has added pressure to an already strained supply chain during the winter months, when Guinness consumption traditionally peaks.
