Drinks sales remain flat after wet July
The worst-hit category, as it has been for most of 2023 so far, was spirits, where sales were down 10% year-on-year
Drinks sales for the seven days ended 29 July were flat compared with the previous week as a result of yet more bad weather.
This follows year-on-year drops of 3% and 0.3% over the previous two weeks which came after 11 consecutive weeks of year-on-year growth.
Daily sales comparisons ranged from a 4% increase on Wednesday 26 July to 3% decrease on Friday 28 July.
Wine sales were up 6% completing a strong July, thanks in part to consumers heading inside for meals rather than buying longer drinks in pub gardens and terraces.
Beer sales were up 4% with cider sales up 0.4% while soft drinks were down 3%.
The worst-hit category, as it has been for most of 2023 so far, was spirits, where sales were down 10% year-on-year.
Jonathan Jones, CGA’s managing director, UK and Ireland, said: “Against a backdrop of disappointing weather and the cost of living crisis, pubs, bars and restaurants have done well to haul drinks sales back to last year’s levels.
“However, there’s no escaping the fact that July was a challenging month for the On Premise, and with more interest rate rises this week spending is going to remain tight for many consumers. Good forecasts and staycations will hopefully make August a brighter month and pull people back to outdoor drinking.”
