Pub numbers set to fall until 2015
Research firm CGA Strategy is predicting that the number of pubs in the UK will continue to fall until 2015.
Most of the estimated further 5% decline in UK outlets will continue to come from the traditional wet-led venues with growth coming from café-bar style outlets, said client account manager Alison Powell.
Talking at the annual Wine & Spirit Trade Association conference in London yesterday she told delegates: "These more premium venues, which cater for an older consumer and which attract trade throughout the day with a varied food and drink offer currently account for 50% of new openings."
The success of these "chameleon" style venues, which change throughout the day offering breakfast, coffee, pastries and cakes, lunch and dinner and attracting a wide variety of consumers, looks likely to continue, she added.
After reaching a low in 2014 the number will start to rise again in 2015, marking the start of a recovery.
The industry would be a "smaller one but a stronger one" in the future, Powell said.
The growth in premium venues is also fuelling growth in premium spirits, which now account for 20% value of the overall spirits market, according to CGA data. The sector was benefiting from consumers going out less but treating themselves when they did.
Other main points in the presentation included:
• Growth in liqueurs driven by shot brands such as sambuca and Jagermeister
• Volume in vodka and gin down, as consumers switch between categories
• Golden rum now accounts for 31% of rum volumes in the on-trade
• Draught and lower-in-alcohol wines (8% to 9% ABV) are emerging trends
• Branded pre-mix spritzers earmarked for a revival long term
