On-trade beer volumes hit as wine and liqueurs grow

While on-trade beer sales fell 7% by volume, the decline by value was less steep at 2%, suggesting a rise in premium products. Beer performed slightly less well over the 12 weeks than in the 12 months to 13 July (volume: -6%, value: -1%).

The decline in cider and perry volumes accelerated over the 12 weeks, at -4% against -2% across the 12 months. Sales by value were up 2% (12 months: +5%).

CGA said: “The fall in volume sales of cider and perry over both periods is a result of declining sales of pear and apple flavoured cider, despite other fruit flavoured ciders continuing to experience growth.”

Fastest growing​

CGA said both Champagne and sparkling wines’ performance slowed over the period; Champagne sales by value fell 7% over the 12 weeks and increased 9% across the year, while sparkling wine experienced a 2% decline by value over the three months against a 7% increase over the 12 months.

However still wine enjoyed the opposite trend, with slight growth driven by red wine, said CGA. Volumes grew 1% in the 12 weeks and are flat over the 12-month period.

“Volume performance remains negative for both blended and imported whisky over the year. However, malt whisky has become the fastest growing category up by +12% over the year and an impressive +45% over the latest 12 weeks.”

Acceleration​

Vodka remains in decline although its performance improved over the period. Gin, rum and brandy continued to report long-term growth.

RTD sales fell 24% over the 12 weeks by both volume and value, representing an acceleration of the decline across the 12 months, when volumes fell 3% and sales by value were down 2%.

The Wine & Spirit Trade Association Q3 Market Report​ report found that off-trade sales over the 12 weeks grew 3% by volume and 5% by value.