On-trade drinks sales last week were down year on year for the first time since mid-August, CGA by NIQ’s Daily Drinks Tracker shows.
Average sales in managed venues in the week to Saturday (23rd September) were 3% behind the same period last year. However, that week was inflated by a one-off bank holiday for the Queen’s funeral. Year-on-year sales were down by 21% and 22% last Sunday and Monday as a result.
However, sales picked up after the tough comparative weekend, peaking at 12% ahead on Tuesday. Last weekend was flatter, with sales down 2% on Friday and up 3% on Saturday.
Drinks categories were generally unchanged last week, with beer and cider in marginal year-on-year growth of 2% and 1% respectively. Wine and soft drinks were both down by 2%. The exception was the spirits category, where sales fell 14% behind the equivalent week in 2022, to continue a long run of weak comparisons.
“Last year’s bank holiday means drinks sales this week fall short, but recent trends suggest the on-premise has made a solid start to autumn,” said Jonathan Jones, CGA’s managing director, UK and Ireland.
“Drinks sales at this time of year are closely tied to the weather, so Storm Agnes will create tricky trading conditions this week. As we move towards the final quarter of the year, all operators will need to be at the top of their game to maintain footfall and achieve growth.”
