Sunshine boosts drinks sales after two weeks of downturns
The latest Daily Drinks Tracker from CGA by NIQ revealed average drinks sales by value across managed venues during the seven days to Saturday 21 September were 3% ahead of the same week in 2023.
It followed two weeks of negative numbers, with sales down 5% the previous week and 12% during the seven days before that.
Widespread sunshine at the start of the week brought consumers out to beer gardens and terraces, CGA said, with sales up by between 8% and 11% from Monday to Thursday (16 to 19 September).
Softer sales
Trading in many cities and large towns was also boosted by the start of the academic year and university ‘Freshers’ Weeks’.
However, sales were softer as the weather turned towards the end of the week, up 2% on Friday 20 September and down by 2% on Saturday 21 September.
As is usually the case during warm weather, Long Alcoholic Drinks (LAD) categories had the strongest week.
Beer and cider sales were up by 8% and 9% respectively, reversing two weeks of year-on-year declines.
Sustained growth
Wine and soft drinks were both up 3% but the spirits category continued a long run of negative numbers, finishing the week 11% down.
CGA by NIQ commercial leader UK & Ireland Rachel Weller said: “After a dismal start to September it’s a relief to get some higher temperatures and sales. It shows consumers remain keen to enjoy drinks outside when the weather allows.
“However, operators and suppliers will need a strong end to September to turn it a from to positive month, and sustained growth could be elusive for some time.
“Pubs, bars and restaurants will need to stay laser focused on both value and quality to unlock spending from those consumers who are still feeling the pinch financially.”
