The tracker estimated average drinks sales in managed venues in the week to Saturday 17 June were 7% ahead compared with the same week in 2022.
However, this was a drop from the 15% growth demonstrated over the previous seven days.
Moreover, with the UK inflation rate standing at 8.7%, according to the Office For National Statistics (ONS), the week’s sales were behind in real terms.
Maintain confidence
Additionally, data from ONS last week also revealed the cost of a pint of draught lager in a pub had increased by 11% for the second month in a row, rising from £4.09 in May 2022 to £4.56 in May this year.
CGA managing director UK and Ireland Jonathan Jones said: “It has been a good start to the summer for drinks sales.
“[But] with continued high inflation and another interest rates increases; operators and suppliers will be hoping consumers can maintain their confidence in the weeks ahead.”
According to the data, each of the seven days to Saturday 17 June showed year-on-year growth, attributed to widespread sunny weather.
Strong first half
Trading peaked at 12% on Monday and Saturday (12 and 17 June). Though sales were at their weakest with just 1% growth on the Friday (16 June).
Category wise, the Long Alcoholic DRINKS (LAD) categories fared best as temperatures soared, while cider and beer sales saw year-on-year upswings of 25% and 10% respectively.
Soft drinks finished 8% ahead of 2022 levels while wine sales were just 1% ahead and the spirits category saw a 7% decline as consumers “switched categories”.
Jones added: “It’s important to remember that excessive temperatures can keep some people at home, but for beer and cider brands and pubs with outdoor spaces it’s been a very strong first half of June.”
