Women's Euro's boosts drink sales

The data showed the second week of marginal growth in the last three weeks, however, as inflation neared double-digits trading remained down in real-terms.

CGA managing director UK and Ireland Johnathan Jones said: “July was a solid enough month for drinks sales in the on premise, but with inflation rampant they remain a long way short of what is needed for proper growth.”

Football boosted sales 

This comes as the previous week’s data showed a 0.4%​ growth on 2019 levels after drops of between 7%​ and 1%​ the previous three weeks.

England’s participation in the semi-final and final matches at the Women’s Euro 2022 Tournament were in part to thank for the growth, with sales up 4% on Sunday (24 July) up 4% and 20% on Tuesday (26 July).

Meanwhile sales on Saturday (23 July), up by 4%, were boosted by the start of the men’s football season.

The other four days of the week saw sales running behind 2019’s levels, as cool weather held down visits to outdoor areas.

Increased pressure 

On a category basis, spirits sales were up by 8% across the week, thanks to the ongoing popularity of summer cocktails, while soft drinks (2%) and beer (1%) were both in growth, but cider (1%) and wine (12%) were both in the red.

Jones added: “Staycations and day-trippers will hopefully contribute to a strong August if the weather is kind to us, but with consumers’ costs piling up we are also likely to see increased pressure on spending.

“It’s clear pubs, bars and suppliers are going to have to work hard for every point of sales share over the remainder of 2022.”