The hot weather and major football matches helped drinks sales achieve double-digit growth in early June, according to CGA by NIQ’s latest Drinks Recovery Tracker data.
The figures revealed a 15% increased in sales in managed venues in the week to 10 June, compared to the same week in 2022, with growth peaking at +29% on Wednesday 7 June – the day of the Europa Conference League final.
The Champion’s League Final on Saturday 10 June helped to produce a 15% spike in drink sales, it said.
Growth was strongest in the beer and cider categories – up 20% and 43%, respectively, across the seven-day period. Soft drink sales were up 11% and wine up 6%, however the spirits category only saw a 1% uplift.
The Tracker noted that rail strikes on 3 June had not dampened overall drink sales, which saw +28% growth on Saturday 3 June – the day of the FA Cup final.
“It’s very encouraging to see sales growth finally move past the rate of inflation. Pubs with outdoor spaces always flourish in the sunshine, and the heatwave has been particularly good news for LAD brands,” Jonathan Jones, CGA’s managing director, UK and Ireland, said:
“It’s clear that consumers remain very keen to drink out and are overcoming the inconvenience of rail strikes to do so. While some people are keeping a close eye on their spending, these figures bode well for the rest of the summer – especially if temperatures stay high.”
