Warm end to August lifts drinks sales back into modest growth
The spirits category continued a long run of negative numbers, finishing 6% behind the equivalent week last August
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Drinks sales in the UK’s managed venues rose a modest 1% in the week ended 31 August, according to data from CGA.
This increase was partly driven by good weather over the Bank Holiday weekend with sales on the Bank Holiday Monday (26 August) rising 1%.
Sales spiked by 10% on Friday 30 August) as sunshine brought people out to beer gardens and terraces.
However, sales dipped by 2% the next day, despite the ongoing Premier League matches.
Beer and cider sales rose by 4% and 5% respectively, but wine and soft drinks were both down by 1%.
The spirits category continued a long run of negative numbers, finishing 6% behind the equivalent week last August.
Jonathan Jones, CGA by NIQ’s managing director, UK and Ireland, said: “Although year-on-year growth of 1% may seem modest, but after a gloomy summer it does at least raise hopes of a stronger autumn.
“While many consumers clearly remain hesitant about their spending, a brighter September might help to release some of the pent-up demand for outside drinking. Nevertheless, real-terms growth in total sales is likely to stay challenging until consumers’ confidence picks up.”
