Suppliers and operators in Britain’s on-trade have seen a return to modest growth in early August after an up-and-down July, CGA by NIQ’s latest Daily Drinks Tracker shows.
Average sales in managed venues in the week to Saturday, 2nd August, were 3.3% down on the same week in 2024. It rounded out a month that began with negative trading, before a positive recovery in the middle of the month, and a flat end.
However, the on-trade has started August with decent increases, thanks to bursts of warm weather and solid school holiday spending.
Average sales in the seven days to 9th August were up by 2.4% year on year — a figure which is slightly below the current rate of inflation, but which raises hopes of a good end to the summer if the sun continues to shine.
High temperatures had their usual positive impact on long alcoholic drinks categories, as consumers headed out for refreshment in pubs and bars with gardens and terraces.
Beer sales in the week to 9th August were 5% higher than the same week in 2024, while cider rose 3%. Soft drinks had a reasonable week at 2%, and spirits were virtually level at only 0.4% down — but wine dropped 5% to continue a challenging period.
“Drinks sales in the on-premise have been flat at best for most of this summer, but a brighter start to August raises hopes that operators and suppliers can end the season on a high,” said Rachel Weller, CGA by NIQ’s commercial lead, UK and Ireland.
“Consumers’ disposable incomes are still under strain, and operators’ cost pressures remain intense, but there will be hopes that the on-premise can build some decent momentum as we move towards the crucial final third of the year.”
