The tracker showed total wine sales across the seven days to Saturday 16 March were 8% up compared with the previous year, soaring to 48% on Mother’s Day (Sunday 10 March).
Moreover, as families flocked to pubs, bars and restaurants to celebrate the occasion, overall drinks sales on Mother’s Day soared 22% above the equivalent day in 2023.
Overall drinks sales by value in managed venues were 1% ahead of the same week in 2023.
While wine was the best performing category during the seven-day period, sporting events and the run up to St Patrick’s Day delivered solid growth for beer (up 3%) and cider (up 4%).
Year-on-year growth
Soft drinks sales also rose by 3% however, despite an uplift on Mother’s Day, the spirits category ended the week 8% down.
As well as Mother’s Day, four out of the six other days of the week also saw year-on-year growth, peaking at 9% on Thursday 14 March, when several British football clubs were involved in European fixtures.
Footfall was also good on Saturday, with sales rising 6% as drinkers made an early start to St Patrick’s Day celebrations.
Though year-on-year comparisons across the week would have been even better if it were not for the inclusion of St Patrick’s Day in 2023, CGA added.
Sales from the 2024 occasion should be reflected in growth in this current week’s sales.
Sustained run
The data followed 5% growth over the previous days, extending a “solid start” to Spring trading.
CGA by NIQ managing director UK and Ireland Jonathan Jones said: “Last week showed us again how consumers love to mark big occasions together over a drink in pubs, bars and restaurants.
“A sustained run of decent weather has helped, and operators and suppliers will be keeping everything crossed for sunshine in the run-in to Easter trading.
“While year-on-year comparisons are solid rather than spectacular at the moment, they bode well for better growth as 2024 goes on.”
