Average sales by value in managed venues in the week to Saturday 2 August were 3.3% down on the same week in 2024, the latest Daily Drinks Tracker from CGA by NIQ revealed.
It rounded out a month that began with negative trading before a positive recovery in the middle of the month and a flat end.
Despite this, August started with decent increases, thanks to bursts of warm weather and solid school holiday spending.
Positive impact
Average sales in the seven days to 9 August were up by 2.4% year-on-year, just below the current rate of inflation, raising hopes of a good end to the summer if the sun continues to shine, CGA said.
Trading was positive on six of the first nine days of this month, with growth peaking at 10% and 8% on Wednesday 6 and Thursday 7 August respectively.
The subsequent weekend was more muted, with year-on-year increases of 2% and 0.4% on Friday and Saturday (8 and 9 August).
High temperatures had their usual positive impact on Long Alcoholic Drinks (LAD) categories, as consumers headed out for refreshment in pubs and bars with gardens and terraces.
Beer sales in the week to 9 August were 5% higher than the same week in 2024, while cider rose 3%.
Decent momentum
Meanwhile soft drinks had a reasonable week at 2%, and spirits were virtually level at only 0.4% down—but wine dropped 5% to continue a challenging period.
Analysis of previous trackers by The Morning Advertiser showed that, despite starting the year on a high with solid New Year’s Eve trade, on-trade drink sales have since been hit by patchy weather and strained consumer spending, making for a yo-yo first half of 2025.
CGA by NIQ commercial lead UK & Ireland Rachel Weller said: “Drinks sales in the on premise have been flat at best for most of this summer, but a brighter start to August raises hopes that operators and suppliers can end the season on a high.
“Consumers’ disposable incomes are still under strain and operators’ cost pressures remain intense, but there will be hopes that the on premise can build some decent momentum as we move towards the crucial final third of the year.”
