Sales in the week to 24 May were 2% ahead of the same period in 2024, while the following seven days to 31 May brought a fractional decline of 0.4%. It completes a soft May for the On Premise after a mixed first fortnight, thanks in part to rain in many areas of Britain. However, after a very bright Spring, which provided year-on-year growth in ten of 11 weeks between February and late April, trends over the medium term have been generally good.
The second fortnight of May suffered from a damp Bank Holiday weekend, with sales on Saturday 24 and Monday 26 May down by 13% and 10% respectively as consumers stayed away from beer gardens and terraces. Comparisons were much healthier on sunnier days including 20 and 21 May, which both delivered double-digit growth. 
The Tracker’s breakdown of categories shows beer sustained its recent positive performance, with growth of 2% and 3% over the two weeks. However, wine (down 10% and 13%) struggled, and spirits (down 8% and 4%) were also negative—though there are signs that this category’s year-on-year comparisons are starting to narrow.
Rachel Weller, CGA by NIQ’s commercial lead, UK & Ireland, said: “After a very encouraging March and April for drinks sales, May was a tougher month for pubs, bars and suppliers. Both of May’s Bank Holiday weekends were washouts for many parts of the country, though gains during brighter periods at least pushed sales into the black. Many consumers continue to watch their cash, and ongoing inflation and new labour costs have piled pressure on real-terms growth and profit margins. Fingers are crossed that the next few weeks bring a return to warmer weather and more confident spending.”
Rachel Weller, CGA by NIQ’s commercial lead, UK & Ireland, said:
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 contact the CGA by NIQ team.
This press release includes forward-looking statements that reflect NielsenIQ’s (NIQ) current expectations and projections about future market trends and consumer behavior. These statements are based on available information and reasonable assumptions but are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ. NIQ does not undertake to update these statements, except as required by law.
