Sales were also 15% up vs 2019, the last equivalent period pre-pandemic, though this comparison was a week without a bank holiday.
Furthermore, the year-on-year figure was just ahead of the current rate of inflation as measured by the Consumer Price Index, according to CGA.
CGA managing director UK and Ireland Johnathan Jones said: “The inflation-beating end to August should give heart to on premise operators and suppliers.
Particularly encouraging
“It shows consumers’ appetite for drinking out remains as strong as ever, especially when the sun shines, and strong beer and cider sales are particularly encouraging.”
Every day during the week saw sales beat 2021 levels, pulling 8% ahead on the bank holiday Monday (29 August), while sunny weather pushed them even higher on the subsequent Tuesday (17%), Wednesday (18%), and Thursday (18%).
However, growth dropped back down to single digits by Friday 2 September (6%) and Saturday 3 September (4%).
Category wise beer and cider were “particularly buoyant” with beer sales up by 20% year-on-year and cider seeing a 33% growth.
Challenges on multiple fronts
Soft drinks and wine, up 13% and 4% respectively, were also in growth, however spirits sales were down 11%; though the equivalent week in 2021 was inflated by many consumers celebrating the full reopening of the on premise with cocktails and shots.
This follows several weeks of flat trading and soaring energy costs, with the previous tracker having shown sales were just 0.5% ahead during the 10 days to Saturday 27 August compared with the same week in 2021.
Additionally, one in five firms recently stated they would not survive the energy crisis without support, according to research from trade body UKHospitality, as many across the sector felt the Prime Minister’s energy support statement for businesses lacked detail.
Jones added: “This week’s announcements from the Government around energy bills support for consumers and businesses are welcomed, however the hospitality sector is still facing challenges on multiple fronts.”
