Drinks sales slump due to poor weather and civil unrest
The latest Drinks Recovery from CGA by NIQ showed sales by value in managed venues were 8% behind the equivalent period in 2023 during the seven-day period.
According to CGA, the week struggled against tough comparisons with August last year, when the sun was shining and the Women’s Football World Cup took over pub screens.
Recent public disturbances and demonstrations also kept many consumers at home last week, the insight consultancy added.
Value decline
The week started with Sunday and Monday both in value decline (-5.9% and -2.9% respectively).
While Tuesday was the only day of the week to see a positive performance thanks to the nicer weather, the rest of the week continued negatively.
Wednesday and Thursday saw double digit decline (-15.5% and -21.1%) meanwhile Friday and Saturday experienced -4.8% and -7.4% respective declines.
CGA added it was “likely” the poor weekend performance were in part due to the start of the Premier League on the equivalent Friday last year and a fair number of matches taking place on the Saturday.
It comes as the previous tracker showed sales finished 7% up during the week to Saturday 3 August, attributed in part to warmer weather.
Driving activations
Performance by category remained consistent with negative performance trends from the last week.
Beer (-7%) and cider (-6%) showed a slightly better performance than spirits (-15%) while soft drinks and wine performed at -6% and -8% respectively.
CGA by NIQ managing director UK & Ireland Jonathan Jones said “As the on premise reflects on a dampened week marked by disappointing weather, civil unrest across England and declining sales, operators and suppliers are undoubtedly pinning their hopes on a resurgence of summer sunshine and the upcoming return of the Premier League, which will no doubt help draw consumers out into the on trade.
“The unpredictability of weather patterns highlights the significance for businesses to adeptly manage these challenges suppliers and operators can work together to create footfall driving activations that bring people into the on premise whatever the weather.”
