Wine sales rise as cider nosedives

The latest Drinks Recovery from CGA by NIQ showed drinks sales in managed venues by value were 10% down in the week to Saturday 15 June compared to the equivalent period in 2023, making it one of the “worst weeks” so far this year.

Attributed in part to wet weather, year-on-year sales saw downturns of between 10% and 20% everyday from Monday to Thursday (10 – 13 June).

Negative numbers 

Meanwhile an increase in temperatures and the start of the Euros 2024 tournament provided some respite for operators towards the end of the week, with sales down by a more modest 7% and 8% on Friday (14 June) and Saturday.

The figures marked four consecutive week of negative numbers, with sales down 3% in the previous tracker with drops of 1% and 3% the two weeks prior.

However, there was some positive news, the wine category outperformed all other segments measured in the tracker and was the only segment to see growth with sales rising 4% year-on-year.

Though cider sales struggled to compete against last year’s heatwave, plummeting 32%.

Tough comparisons 

Beer sales were down 7% while soft drinks and spirits were 5% and 14% behind last year respectively.

CGA​ by NIQ managing director UK and Ireland Jonathan Jones said: “Cool weather and very tough comparatives are making June a challenging month for many pubs and bars.

“There are several reasons to be optimistic that things will start to get better for operators and suppliers, with better weather forecast, the Euro 2024 tournament in full swing, inflation dropping and the General Election bringing more economic certainty.

“But there’s no escaping the fact that the last four weeks have been very difficult, and that margins are extremely tight for many businesses.”

• See how drinks sales have performed so far this year here​​