Drinks sales rise 7% in last two weeks of 2023
It was a more difficult festive season in the spirits category where sales were 3% ahead in the penultimate week of 2023, but 11% down in the final week
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Drinks sales in the UK saw 7% year-on-year growth in the two weeks ended 30 December 2023, according to data from CGA.
The week ended 23 December saw a 9% increase compared with the same week in 2022, while the week ended 30 December saw a 6% increase in sales.
Christmas Eve sales were 3% ahead while Christmas Day finished 10% up, though Boxing Day achieved just 0.1% growth.
Other notably strong days included ‘Mad Friday’ (22 December), when sales were up by 21%.
Beer sales were 12% and 13% ahead year-on-year in the last two weeks, while cider was 12% up in both weeks.
Wine achieved sales growth of 8% and 7%, completing a welcome year of revival for the category while a mixed year for soft drinks ended with growth of 4% and 5%.
It was a more difficult festive season in the spirits category where sales were 3% ahead in the penultimate week of 2023, but 11% down in the final week.
Jonathan Jones, CGA by NIQ’s managing director, UK and Ireland: “After a soft November and early December it was great to see such a strong end to 2023 for many operators and suppliers. Despite ongoing pressure on their spending, consumers were clearly eager to celebrate Christmas with friends and families in the special environments that pubs and bars provide.
“While trading conditions remain challenging, we can be cautiously optimistic that these positive trends will continue into early 2024, despite the pressures of reduced spending and Dry January.”
