UK drinks sales flat for second consecutive week
Wine was the best performing category, as has been the case for most of 2023, with sales finishing 6% ahead of the same week in 2022
UK drinks sales were up a mere 0.4% for the week ended 2 September compared with the same period last year, according to data from CGA.
This follows growth of 1% and 5% in the previous two weeks, which came after five successive weeks of negative numbers.
The CGA said these numbers round off a “disappointing” July and August where cool weather kept many people away from beer gardens and terraces.
Rail strikes also dented footfall last week, but there are high hopes that hot conditions will make September a much better month for operators and suppliers.
Growth peaked at 5% on Sunday 27 August and 2% on Saturday 2 September, with a high-profile boxing match involving Chris Eubank that day helping to compensate for rail disruption.
However, year-on-year comparisons fell to -4% and -6% on Tuesday 29 and Wednesday 30 August.
Wine was the best performing category, as has been the case for most of 2023, with sales finishing 6% ahead of the same week in 2022.
In contrast, the spirits category has had a tough 2023, with year-on-year sales down again last week, by 7%.
Jonathan Jones, CGA’s managing director, UK and Ireland, said: “Almost two months of disappointing summer weather have been bad news for drinks sales, but the more positive impact on food sales has at least sustained wine’s impressive revival.
“This week’s heatwave and more good forecasts should make September a better month for pubs and bars, as well as beer and cider suppliers as we move towards the final quarter of the year.”
