Drinks sales down 9% as tough comparatives continue

Drinks sales in the UK’s managed venues dropped 9% for the week ended 9 December compared with the same period last year, according to data from CGA.

Growth has now topped 1% just once in the last eight weeks as a result of sales being compared to the period during last year’s men’s football World Cup.

Sales were down by 19% and 26% on the 3 and 9 December, as the comparative days in 2022 brought two knock-out matches for England.

Despite this, sales jumped 1% and 4% between 4 and 7 December and 6% on 8 December.

These numbers may provide better indications of the growth that might be expected in the crucial final few weeks of 2023.

World Cup comparatives meant long alcoholic drinks categories struggled last week, with beer and cider sales down 9% and 13%.

Soft drinks were down 1% and wine were up 1% while spirits were down 19% had another challenging week.

Jonathan Jones, CGA by NIQ’s managing director, UK and Ireland, said:“The World Cup of last December makes year-on-year comparisons difficult, but midweek performance suggests modest average growth in drinks sales at the moment.

“As festive occasions ramp up, operators and suppliers must hope that the weather and rail strikes don’t affect footfall. Total real-terms growth will be very hard won, but venues that strike the right balance of quality and value can look forward to a profitable Christmas.”