The latest Daily Drinks Tracker from CGA by NIQ showed average sales by value in managed venues in the week to Saturday 2 September were 0.4% ahead compared with the same week last year.
It followed growth of 1% and 5% in the previous two weeks, which came after five successive weeks of negative numbers, as cool weather and rail strikes having dented footfall.
High hopes
CGA added there were “high hopes” the return of hot weather conditions will make September a “much better month” for operators and suppliers.
Sales were ahead of 2022 levels on four days last week, with growth peaking at 5% on Sunday (27 August) and 2% on Saturday (2 September).
However, year-on-year comparisons saw declines of 4% and 6% on Tuesday and Wednesday (29 and 30 August).
Wine was the best performing category in the on-trade last week, as has been the case for most of 2023, according to CGA, with sales finishing 6% ahead of the same week last year.
Better month
The spirits category continued to have “tough comparatives” after a post-Covid boom, with year-on-year sales down by 7%, while beer sales were up 4% last week and soft drinks and cider were down 2% and 0.5% respectively.
CGA managing director UK and Ireland Jonathan Jones said: “Almost two months of disappointing summer weather have been bad news for drinks sales, but the more positive impact on food sales has at least sustained wine’s impressive revival.
“This week’s heatwave and more good forecasts should make September a better month for pubs and bars, as well as beer and cider suppliers as we move towards the final quarter of the year.”
