Pockets of growth amid drinks sales dip in June, CGA finds

On Premise drinks sales slipped below last year’s levels in June despite some encouraging spells of growth, according to data from the CGA.

Average sales in managed venues in the week ended Saturday 14 June were 5% behind the same week in 2024, and losses widened to 7% in the following seven days ended Saturday 21 June. This means trading was negative in three of the four full weeks of the month.

June’s figures follow a modest performance in May when temperatures dipped across the country. However, this followed a relatively strong Spring, when trading was up year-on-year in nearly every week between February and late April.

Figures included growth on three straight days from Monday 16 to Wednesday 18 June and Thursday 26 to Saturday 28 June. This coincided with brighter weather in many parts of the country.

However, daily numbers were down by double-digits on several other days, the result of cooler weather in some parts and tough comparatives with a hot June in 2024.

Cider sales were up by 6% in the week to 14 June, but down by 9% in the week to 21 June. Soft drinks rose 6% and dipped 2% over the same periods while beer was down 6% and 5% was in line with the market as a whole.

The spirits and wine categories had a much tougher end to June. Spirits were down 11% and 12% in the two weeks, while wine was 15% and 13% behind.

Rachel Weller, CGA by NIQ’s commercial lead, UK and Ireland, said: “After a bright Spring, operators and suppliers have had to adapt to some sizeable challenges in recent weeks. Variable weather and hesitant consumer spending haven’t helped, and employers have also been forced to cope with sharp increases in costs since April.

“Despite this difficult environment, venues have achieved some robust growth in some categories and warmer days. This raises hopes that spending will increase over July and August, and the long-term outlook for well-run and responsive On Premise businesses remains good.”