Drinks sales rise 6% as Euros continues

Drinks sales in the UK’s managed venues rose 6% in the week ended 29 June, according to data from CGA.

This upswing was mostly caused by England’s final group game at the European Championship vs Slovenia.

The game on Tuesday 25 June saw sales rise 71% compared with the same day last year.

There was also growth of between 7% and 8% on the 23, 24 and 26 June as a result of warmer weather bringing people out.

However, trading was negative on 27, 28 and 29 June as consumers saved their money for warmer weather or big Euros games.

As is usually the case during big football tournaments, Long Alcoholic Drink categories fared best over the course of the week, with beer up 11% and cider up 18%.

Soft drinks were up 1%, but spirits and wine were both in the red seeing falls of 6% and 1% respectively.

The next set of drinks sales data should also look positive as it will include two days where England played a knockout game, vs Slovakia and Switzerland respectively.

Jonathan Jones, CGA by NIQ’s managing director, UK and Ireland, said: “England’s progress to the knock-out stages of the Euros has been a huge relief to pubs and bars screening games and LAD suppliers, especially after Scotland’s exit.

“Alongside decent weather it means sales are making up some of the ground that was lost during a weak Spring. With cautious signs that some consumers are starting to loosen their spending as their bills ease, we can be optimistic that growth in the second half of 2024 will be stronger than the first.”