Drinks sales brighten after slow start to June

Drinks sales in the seven days ended Saturday 14 June were up 4% year-on-year after average sales in managed venues in the week ended Saturday 7 June were 7% behind the same period last year.

The previous week’s rain and low temperatures damaged footfall in many parts of the country, meaning trading was negative on six of the seven days of the week. Nations League football matches did little to bring people into pubs and bars.

However, brighter weather made for a much better following week. There was growth of between 2% and 10% on every day from Tuesday 10 to Saturday 14 June.

June’s mixed picture follows a generally soft May of trading that was dampened by poor weather. The increase in the second week of June was the tracker’s best performance since the last week of April.

In the week to 14 June, beer and cider sales rose by 7% and 20% respectively, as consumers sought refreshment on warmer days. By contrast, wine and spirits slipped by 1% and 10% respectively.

Rachel Weller, CGA by NIQ’s commercial lead, UK and Ireland, said: “The uncertainty of Britain’s weather in May and June is making for a temperamental period of trading, with temperatures and sales both fluctuating widely from day to day.

“It’s also creating some turbulence in consumers’ category choices, though beer and cider are consistently faring better at the moment. Operators and suppliers will be hoping that after a tough few weeks, above-inflation growth in the second week of June is a reliable sign of what’s to come for the rest of the Summer season.”