Average sales in managed venues in the week to Saturday (23 September) were 3% behind the same period last year—though that week was inflated by a one-off Bank Holiday for the Queen’s funeral, which brought many communities together in pubs around the country. Year-on-year sales were down by 21% on 22% last Sunday and Monday (17 and 18 September) as a result.
However, sales picked up after the tough comparative weekend, peaking at 12% ahead on Tuesday (19 September). Last weekend was flatter, with sales down 2% on Friday (22 September) and up 3% on Saturday (23 September).
Drinks categories were generally unchanged last week, with beer and cider in marginal year-on-year growth of 2% and 1% respectively, and wine and soft drinks both down by 2%. The exception was the spirits category, where sales fell 14% behind the equivalent week in 2022 to continue a long run of weak comparisons.
“Last year’s bank holiday means drinks sales this week fall short, but recent trends suggest the On Premise has made a solid start to autumn,” says Jonathan Jones, CGA’s managing director, UK and Ireland. “Drinks sales at this time of year are closely tied to the weather, so Storm Agnes will create tricky trading conditions this week. As we move towards the final quarter of the year, all operators will need to be at the top of their game to maintain footfall and achieve growth.”
The Daily Drinks Tracker provides analysis of sales at managed licensed premises across Britain, and is part of CGA by NIQ’s suite of research services delivering in-depth data on category, supplier and brand rate of sale performance. To learn more, click here and email jonathan.jones@cgastrategy.com.
