Global demand for the British beer last year has given a £600m boost to the UK economy, according to the Department for Environment, Food, Rural Affairs (Defra).

The latest figures show nearly 500 new breweries were opened in the country last year, and around one billion British pints were exported to 121 countries, including Australia and Germany.

In addition, around 2,000 new beer brands were launched, including Sheffield’s craft lager and Arkell’s flavoured beer range.

UK Food Minister George Eustice said: “The UK beer industry has a lot to celebrate. Our established breweries now export to more countries than ever before, with bottles of British beer on shelves as far as Japan and New Zealand.

“The craft beer boom in particular has secured our position at the forefront of the industry and made us a first choice for beer lovers the world over, with major retailers and supermarkets now stocking our smaller, unique brands over global big hitters.”

"Our established breweries now export to more countries than ever before, with bottles of British beer on shelves as far as Japan and New Zealand."

The government further explained that the sales of UK beer grew by £100m in the last year.

Taking advantage of this momentum, the government has organised a new inbound trade mission called ‘Food is Great’, which includes tours of local breweries. It also involves a visit to Bristol Craft Beer Festival, which showcases more than 200 UK beers to around 2,500 visitors.

The UK’s International Trade Minister Mark Garnier said: “Our beer industry now exports to more countries than ever before and, as an international economic department, we are committed to help them build on this success to make the most of rising demand.

“British breweries can use our overseas network which operates in 108 countries, or look for live exporting opportunities on our digital hub great.gov.uk, to build their brands abroad as part of a Global Britain.”