Britain’s pubs and bars clawed their way back to year-on-year drinks sales growth in the first full week of February, CGA by NIQ’s Daily Drinks Tracker shows.
Average sales in managed venues in the week to last Saturday (10th February) were 1% above the equivalent period in 2023. It follows four successive weeks of negative numbers, thanks to a combination of a squeeze on spending, Dry January, variable weather, and rail strikes.
Trading last week was boosted by stable weather and the Six Nations rugby tournament. The combination of mild temperatures and matchdays helped sales to rise 9% on Sunday, while the following Saturday brought year-on-year growth of 5% on the back of the England v Wales fixture.
However, trading was muted in between, and sales were down on four of the seven days, bottoming out at -8% as rain moved in on Thursday.
As is usually the case, the long alcoholic drinks (LAD) category gained most from the rugby. Beer and cider sales were up by 5% and 6% respectively, while soft drinks and wine were in marginal decline of 1% and 2%. Spirits sales were 7% below the same week in 2023, though this marks an improvement on the steep drops of recent weeks.
“These numbers are a relief for venues and suppliers after a difficult January, and raise hopes that the post-Christmas hangover has finally worn off,” said Jonathan Jones, CGA by NIQ’s managing director, UK and Ireland.
“They show that consumers are still keen to get out into our pubs, bars, and restaurants, and are willing to spend, despite continued pressures on their disposable income.”
