Good weather helps sector drinks sales back in growth

CGA by NIQ’s Daily Drinks Tracker shows average sales in managed venues in the week to Saturday (19 August) were 5% ahead of the same period last year.

The return to growth follows a challenging late July and early August when cool weather kept many consumers away from pub beer gardens and terraces.

Sales up in line with temperatures​

However, trading improved in line with the temperatures last week. There was a particular surge in sales in midweek, with Tuesday (up 10%), Wednesday – which was boosted by England’s women’s football semi-final victory over Australia (up 17%) and Thursday (up 15%) all in double-digit growth but trading was more modest on Friday (down 3%) and Saturday (up 4%) as rain moved back in. 

Warmer weather lifted the beer category, where sales rose 10% year-on-year. Wine (up 9%) and cider (up 1%) were also positive, but soft drinks (down 2%) and spirits (down 4%) were both negative.

CGA managing director, UK and Ireland, Jonathan Jones said: “After weeks of dismal weather driving declines, operators and suppliers will have been relieved to see some sunshine and a return to positive year-on-year sales performance.”

Need to drive footfall​

Jones continued: “With more rail strikes looming, they will be hoping good weather persists for the rest of the month and into September to help offset a disappointing July and early August, but also need to work on driving footfall in other ways, with a focus on quality and experience for their customers.”

Related research from CGA by NIQ showed soft drinks and long alcoholic drinks (LADs) were the best performers​ during the Women’s World Cup final on Sunday (20 August).

The group’s data showed average sales by value compared with the average Sunday were up 46.4% and 33.1% for LADs, which included beer and cider, and soft drinks respectively.