Drinks sales up 13% as sun shines on pubs
Beer was the next biggest winner with growth of 14% while the soft drinks and wine categories were both up by 11% and spirits got a 5% upswing
Drinks sales in the UK’s managed venues rose 13% for the week ended 11 May as the warm weather encouraged consumer demand.
Trading was well up on all seven days of the week, beginning with a 17% uplift on Bank Holiday Monday, 6 May.
The Bank Holiday fell in the week prior in 2023 which will have helped to shape this week’s uplift.
Growth peaked at 23% on 9 May and as temperatures moved well into the 20s, sales finished 21% and 5% ahead on 10 and 11 May respectively.
The sunshine made it a good week for Long Alcoholic Drinks (LAD) categories, with cider sales up 33% ahead of the same week in 2023.
Beer was the next biggest winner with growth of 14% while the soft drinks and wine categories were both up by 11% and spirits got a 5% upswing.
Jonathan Jones, CGA by NIQ’s managing director, UK and Ireland, said: “Bank Holidays always make year-on-year comparisons more difficult but after a soggy Spring, the warm spell and double-digit growth have been a huge relief for Britain’s pubs and suppliers.
“The sunny weather means it’s been particularly good news for longer and lighter serves and pubs and bars with outdoor gardens and terraces, many of which have been empty for months. Businesses will now be hoping the high temperatures can continue into the second May Bank Holiday and encourage more consumers to loosen their spending.”
