Beer volumes in pubs and bars increased 2.8% in April – albeit compared with the soft comparables of 2008 – as UK managed operators drove volumes up through discounting.
The latest data by Nielsen showed that pubs benefited from good Easter trade and that volumes were up compared with a 16.6% drop in April 2008, but that comparables with last year were soft as the holiday fell in a different month.
The study of 11 managed pub companies found a 16% rise in cider volumes and a 6% increase in soft drink volumes, while spirits remained stable.
Gavin Humphreys, Nielsen client services manager, said: “Value is not ahead of volume by much, as the managed operators really drive the value message with keen food and drink pricing and they continue to hit the leased and tenanted sector.
“You’d also have to assume that they are taking money off food, as punters still want to go out, but need to watch the pounds.”
Analyst Mark Brumby from Blue Oar Securities, however, warned that whilst the headline number looked good, April could end up being a disappointment.
Brumby said: “The sun shone, we had Easter, the consumer (if he’s kept his job) has never been so well off, and this is the best that we can do against minus 16.6% comparables.
“In addition, there’s a degree of polarization in favour of the big managed houses going on out there. Mitchells & Butlers pointed out that 750 of its pubs are selling beer at less than £2 a pint, Marston’s managed outlets are doing well and JDW is a permanent value player so somebody must be not doing very well at all.
“With that in mind and in light of the suggestions that May is not shaping up to be that good a month, we remain somewhat cautious and consider the potential for a double dip remains a real one.”
