Spirits sales 'flattened' during last week of January

The data showed while five of the seven days recorded double-digit sales increases, peaking at 18% on Tuesday (24 January), year-on-year growth numbers dipped on Friday (up 6%) and Saturday (up 2%).

Trim spending 

According to CGA, this trend has particularly impacted the spirits category, where sales last week were 8% below the same period in 2022, as beer (up 15%), cider (up 15%), wine (up 13%) and soft drinks (up 13%) were all well ahead year-on-year.

CGA managing director UK and Ireland Johnathan Jones said: “January delivered some very welcome year-on-year growth for operators and suppliers, albeit against a weak first month of 2022.

“It’s shown that people still want to drink out whenever possible, but we’re starting to see weekend and spirit sales flatten as some consumers trim their spending.”

Challenging month 

Overall, average drinks sales by value in Britain’s managed pubs, bars and restaurants were 9% ahead of the same week in 2022, following 24% growth in the first week of January alongside increases of 13% and 11% for the second and third weeks.

However, despite being ahead of the current rates of inflation, growth has slowed week by week, with comparisons more favourable due to tough trading conditions in January 2022, when the on premise was disrupted by lingering concerns about the Omicron variant of COVID-19.

Jones added: “With business and household costs still mounting and more rail strikes looming, February could be a challenging month for operators and suppliers.”