Beer volumes down 9%

On-trade beer volumes fell 9% in the first five months of 2008, compared to the same period last year, new Nielsen figures show.

There was better news for cask ale, which experienced a relatively small decline of 1.3%. Overall volumes of long drinks were down 8%.

Nielsen consultant Graham Page said the report painted a gloomy picture. "You will be looking at crumbs in terms of comfort," he said.

Hardest hit in the on-trade was lager (-9%) and cider (-8%), which Page said was affected most by the adverse weather this year, although the decline in beer volumes appears to be slowing as the weather improves.

Volumes are believed to have fallen 7% in May, compared to 10.2% in April and 11.7% in March.

There were also declines for spirits (-8%), wine (-5%) and soft drinks (-7%).

Page said sales of cask ale would have experienced growth had the credit crunch not hit the consumers' pockets.

"Cask ale is still largely just an on-trade drink. With the right conditions it could experience growth," he said.

Page said overall sales in the on-trade would continue to fall for at least two years, citing global economic factors, fuel prices and an ageing population staying at home for the decline.

He also blamed the Government. "Alcohol is the new tobacco. The Government keeps raising duty and has said it will continue to do so.

"Times are hard enough for pub owners. More should be done to help them, not cull them."