Drinks sales down for fourth week in five
Sales were also negative year-on-year in all five major drinks categories with beer down 3%, cider down 7%, soft drinks down 6%, wine down 4% and spirits down 10%
Drinks sales in the UK’s managed venues saw a year-on-year drop of 5% for the week ended Saturday 24 August, according to CGA data.
It follows mixed weather in many parts of Britain and an increase in overseas travel this year, which have both reduced spending over the summer holiday season.
Year-on-year sales were down on all seven days of the week, by as much as 9% and 10% on 19 and 21 August respectively.
Trading picked up towards the end of the week, but sales on the two key days of Friday 23 and Saturday 24 August, were nevertheless down by 2% on both.
Sales were also negative year-on-year in all five major drinks categories with beer down 3%, cider down 7%, soft drinks down 6%, wine down 4% and spirits down 10%.
Jonathan Jones, CGA by NIQ’s managing director, UK and Ireland, said: “August has been a tough month for the On Premise, with poor weather, civil unrest and the aftermath of the Euros all putting pressure on footfall.
“The easing of inflation for consumers isn’t yet translating into extra spending, and the grey summer hasn’t given them many reasons to venture out to beer gardens and terraces. Fingers will be crossed for a much brighter September and growth in confidence as we move towards the crucial final quarter of the year.”
