One in three plan to drink out less

One in three people plan to cut back on drinking away from home — and nearly half say they'll eat out less — in the next 12 months. That's...

One in three people plan to cut back on drinking away from home — and nearly half say they'll eat out less — in the next 12 months.

That's according to a YouGov survey of 2,103 British adults, commissioned by the Wine & Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) in its new Quarterly Market Report.

The report also highlights a stark difference in the performance of the on-trade, which is in decline across most drinks categories, and the off-trade.

People were asked what items of household spending they are likely to cut back on over the next 12 months.

• 34% said going out for a drink

• 46% said going out for meals

• 40% said going out for entertainment

• 20% said spending on satellite TV subscription

• 18% said they do not expect to cut back spending

The breakdown shows 50% of women, and 50% of the 25-34 age group, would cut back on going out for meals.

The report uses data from CGA Strategy, Nielsen, and others to show the state of different categories in the on and off-trades for the quarter.

It points to a decline in on-trade volumes across all alcoholic drink categories, and a value decline for all categories except standard lager and cider.

In contrast, figures for the off-trade show value growth across all categories except fortified wine. Volume growth is recorded in all categories except ales and fortified wine.

WSTA chief executive Jeremy Beadles said: "The signs are that consumers remain cautious about their spending and will look to cutback on going out if necessary.

"However businesses that get the offer right are still doing well.

"Behind the headlines there are clearly opportunities for growth. For example, golden rum sales in the on-trade are up in value by over 18% during the past year and sparkling wines are up over 11% in value in the off-trade."