The Daily Drinks Tracker from CGA by NIQ showed average drinks sales by value in managed venues were 7% ahead of the same period in 2022, attributed in part to Halloween, bonfire night and big sporting events.
In addition, the figures marked the strongest weekly performance since September and followed a flat second half of October, when poor weather hit footfall in pubs and bars, CGA said.
CGA by NIQ UK and Ireland managing director Jonathan Jones said: “After a damp October it’s great to see drinks sales growth beat the current rate of CPI as we start November.”
Strong week
Sales were in year-on-year growth on four of the seven days, peaking at 15% on Sunday (29 October), when early Halloween visits, the Manchester football derby and Tyson Fury’s boxing match all brought people out.
Growth hit 11% on Halloween night itself (Tuesday 31 October), followed by 17% on Wednesday (1 November).
The week also ended on a high, thanks to bonfire celebrations, decent weather and more big football matches luring people to pubs and bars, triggering a 10% uplift on Saturday (4 November).
All drinks categories were in year-on-year growth, with cider (up 10%), beer (up 9%), soft drinks (up 10%) and wine (up 6%) all enjoying a strong week.
Positive sign
Sales in the spirits category, which have lagged last year throughout most of 2023, achieved 2% growth, thanks to Halloween celebrations.
Jones added: “It’s a positive sign for the crucial run-up to Christmas, and with a potential deal to end rail strikes being voted on at the end of November, we can be cautiously optimistic about festive footfall and sales.
“While consumer spending remains under pressure, the last week has shown that people are still very keen to get out to pubs, bars and restaurants for big communal occasions.”
