The figure from CGA by NIQ is for average drinks sales in managed venues between last Friday and Monday (5 to 8 May), compared to the average equivalent day year to date.
The Bank Holiday boost started on Friday when sales rose 23% compared to the average Friday of 2023 so far. Despite many people marking the Coronation at home and at street parties, sales were also up by 12% on Saturday. However, they rocketed by 118% on Sunday as consumers spread their On Premise visits across the long weekend and enjoyed widespread warm weather. The bumper period finished with a growth of 56% on Bank Holiday Monday.
Category-wise, spirits felt the biggest benefit after a tough start to 2023. With people in celebratory mood their four-day sales were 52% ahead of the average 4-day weekend—and gains shot up to 192% on Sunday. Cocktail sales rose 47% across the four-day period and rocketed 210% on Sunday.
The long weekend also lifted beer and cider sales by 45%. Performance was more muted in wine (up 16%) and soft drinks (up 24%)—though both figures are well ahead of inflation and the latter had a strong Monday (up 56%) as consumers shifted into lower tempo occasions.
“Despite some concerns that the Coronation would keep people at home, the On Premise proved yet again that it is the number one place for celebratory occasions,” says Jonathan Jones, CGA’s managing director, UK and Ireland. “Warm weather was a very welcome follow-up and drew people out to beer gardens and terraces on Sunday and Monday. It’s important to remember that trading for restaurants will have been quieter—but for pubs, bars and drinks suppliers it was a big and timely boost as we move towards the summer period.”
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CGA’s sales measurement service provides many more insights into drinks sales, including extensive breakdowns of category, channel and brand performance. To learn how it can help all On Premise suppliers and operators, click here and email jonathan.jones@cgastrategy.com.
