CGA reveals rum gaining share as spirits trends shift in Australia’s On Premise

CGA’s service, which provides expert analysis of drinks trends in Australia’s pubs, bars and restaurants, shows a year-on-year drop in spirits sales by volume of 8.1% in the last 12 months. Sales by value increased by just 0.6%, driven by price increases triggered by high inflation.

The OPM solution, the only fully projected and validated measure of beverage performance in Australia’s On Premise, shows sharp downward trends in key spirits including gin. However, the picture is more positive in other categories—especially rum, where sales by value have risen by 2.5% in the last year, while prices have climbed 8.7%.

CGA’s breakdown of the category indicates that golden rum has outperformed white rum recently. Golden sales by value have increased by 7.6% year-on-year, while white has dropped by 9.3%.

CGA’s exclusive state-by-state breakdown of sales reveals significant variations in trends to help suppliers and operators localise their strategies in Australia. For example, it shows sharp contrasts in total rum sales by value—including a 7.6% drop in New South Wales but an 8.8% increase in Queensland.

James Phillips, CGA by NIQ’s client solutions director – total liquor ANZ, said: “With many consumers still facing pressure on their spending, it’s clear that trading conditions in Australia’s spirits market are tough at the moment. However, it’s a very nuanced picture with pockets of growth opportunities for venues and suppliers—especially in rum. Businesses need an expert understanding of these areas, and our insights into sales trends and market share are vital to success in this challenging, contracting and complex area of the On Premise.”