Drinks sales continue difficult run
The figure—for average sales in managed venues in the seven days to Saturday 24 August—marked the fourth negative number in five weeks and three consecutive downturns.
It followed mixed weather in many parts of the country and an increase in overseas travel this year, which have both reduced spending over the summer holiday season, CGA said.
Grey summer
While August started with a 7% uplift, sales have since been behind year-on-year 8% and 1% according to the previous two trackers.
CGA by NIQ managing director UK and Ireland Jonathan Jones said: “August has been a tough month for the on premise, with poor weather, civil unrest and the aftermath of the Euros all putting pressure on footfall.
“The easing of inflation for consumers isn’t yet translating into extra spending, and the grey summer hasn’t given them many reasons to venture out to beer gardens and terraces.”
The latest tracker showed year-on-year sales were down on all seven days of the week—by as much as 9% and 10% on Monday and Wednesday (19 and 21 August).
Crucial quarter
While trade picked up towards the end of the week, sales on the two key days of Friday and Saturday (23 and 24 August) were nevertheless each down by 2%.
Sales were also negative year-on-year in all five major drinks categories measured in the tracker, with beer (down 3%), cider (down 7%), and wine down 3%, 7% and 4% respectively.
Meanwhile soft drinks (down 6%) and spirits (down 10%) also had a tough week.
Jones added: “Fingers will be crossed for a much brighter September and growth in confidence as we move towards the crucial final quarter of the year.”
