CGA’s On Premise Measurement (OPM) service, which delivers powerful insights into sales across Canada’s bars and restaurants, indicates that spirits sales by value in the 52 weeks to early September were up by +4.6% year-on-year—but over the last 12 weeks of that period, growth rose to +5.6%. Beer sales were up by +4.3% on the 52-week measure, but by +4.9% in the 12-week phase.
Growth continues to be influenced by both increased prices, but also through consumers decisions to choose quality over quantity and premiumize their purchases. Combining these factors, volume sales remain down for both Beer and Spirits. However, the year-on-year deficit for spirits volumes has narrowed from -2.1% over the whole year to just -0.8% in the last 12 weeks.
Along with these figures, the latest week of reporting from CGA by NIQ’s On Premise Sales Impact Report saw the week ending November 9th experience a +7% increase in sales velocity for the average outlet nationally vs the previous week. During this week vs the same period last year increases were recognized across both ticket counts (+4%) and check values (+3%). Each major province was in growth and nationally, this week marks just the 6th time this year where ticket counts have surpassed last year, with half of these weeks all coming within the last 6 weeks alone. This, suggesting consumers’ confidence may be starting to improve.
CGA’s OPM solution also highlights positive trends across different provinces. Over the last 12 weeks, spirits volumes have grown year-on-year in Alberta (+1.0%), British Columbia (+0.5%) and Quebec (+1.9%), with Beer volumes also in growth fractionally in Quebec (+0.3%).
Mitch Stefani, CGA by NIQ’s client solutions director – Americas, said: “This latest data has some encouraging signs of improving performance for key drinks categories. While we continue to monitor volume declines, they suggest some momentum may be starting to build. The holiday season will naturally capture increased visitation across On Premise venues providing hope for operators amid facing different challenges. ”
Mitch Stefani, CGA by NIQ’s client solutions director – Americas, said: “This latest data has some encouraging signs of improving performance for key drinks categories. While we continue to monitor volume declines, they suggest some momentum may be starting to build. The holiday season will naturally capture increased visitation across On Premise venues providing hope for operators amid facing different challenges. ”
CGA’s On Premise Consumer Impact Report meanwhile delivers expert insights into consumers’ latest behaviors, helping suppliers and operators track their motivations and preferences ahead of Christmas trading. It shows nearly nine in ten (87%) consumers are satisfied with the quality of experience they get on their On Premise visits, with the large majority viewing their experiences as better or the same as they did 12 months ago. Other insights from the Report include:
- Value for money is the most important factor contributing to a good experience, followed by customer service and quality food and drink
- Spirits are rated highest for satisfaction on value for money, followed by cocktails and beer
- A good atmosphere and live entertainment are both more important to consumers than they were 12 months ago.
CGA’s unique combination of the On Premise Measurement service and Consumer Impact Reports delivers a holistic view of drinks sales and habits across Canada’s On Premise. Deep and tailored analysis of sales performance is available by category, channel, period, region and much more.
To discover more about CGA by NIQ’s OPM solution, contact Mitch Stefani here or visit https://cgastrategy.com/unlock-the-potential-of-opm.
