Drinks sales continued a difficult run with a year-on-year drop of 5% last week, CGA by NIQ’s latest Daily Drinks Tracker shows.
The figure — for average sales in managed venues in the seven days to Saturday, 24th August — is the fourth negative number in five weeks.
It follows mixed weather in many parts of Britain and an increase in overseas travel this year, which have both reduced spending over the summer holiday season.
The Tracker shows year-on-year sales were down on all seven days of the week, by as much as 9% and 10% on Monday and Wednesday.
Trading picked up towards the end of the week, but sales on the two key days of Friday and Saturday were, nevertheless, down by 2% on both.
Sales were negative year-on-year in all five major drinks categories, with beer down 3% and cider down 7%.
“August has been a tough month for the on-premise, with poor weather, civil unrest, and the aftermath of the Euros all putting pressure on footfall,” said Jonathan Jones, CGA by NIQ’s managing director, UK and Ireland.
“The easing of inflation for consumers isn’t yet translating into extra spending, and the grey summer hasn’t given them many reasons to venture out to beer gardens and terraces.
“Fingers will be crossed for a much brighter September and growth in confidence as we move towards the crucial final quarter of the year.”
