Drinks sales perked up in second half of February

On-trade drinks sales have returned to above-inflation growth after a challenging start to 2025, according to CGA by NIQ’s Daily Drinks Tracker.

Mid-January saw a 5% dip in sales thanks to Storm Éowyn, and that was followed by a year-on-year drop of 2% in the first full week of February. Trading then worsened again in the seven days to Saturday, 15th February, finishing 11% behind the equivalent week in 2024.

However, sales then bounced back in the following week – to Saturday, 22nd February – with year-on-year growth of 4%. It is only the second positive week recorded by the Tracker in 2025 so far.

Trading beat the levels of last year on six of the seven days, and was ahead by between 8% and 11% every day between Monday and Thursday. It is a welcome sign of increased spending in the on-trade, though the period benefited from comparison with a week of poor weather in February 2024.

There was a reversal of fortunes for most drinks categories over the week, with soft drinks growth particularly strong at 13%. Wine (up 7%), beer (up 4%) and cider (up 3%) were all ahead as well, but spirits (down 8%) had another negative week.

“Pressure on disposable incomes, storms, and Dry January have made it a difficult start to the year for some on-premise venues and suppliers, but mid-February’s revival brings some welcome relief,” said Rachel Weller, CGA by NIQ’s commercial lead, UK and Ireland.

“February’s fluctuations emphasise the volatility of the trading landscape at the moment, and many consumers are clearly still hesitant about spending. It remains to be seen whether this is the prelude to a more positive spring or just a brief respite.”