This week: On-trade Wine Share; MUP Increase; Champions League Beer Boost
Wine has been struggling to recapture pre-COVID volumes; however, over the past year, white and rose have proved to be the areas of growth within the category. Recent research from PROOF Insight reveals that 71% of wine drinkers have been cutting back on going out for meals compared to last year, perhaps explaining why red wine, traditionally paired with food, has been losing its share of volume within the category in the GB on-trade.
Furthermore, MAT wine volumes to 12.08.23 declined -7.7% year on year in GB restaurants, but wine volumes in GB pubs grew by +2.2%, suggesting wine drinkers are still going out but choosing more low-tempo drink occasions instead. PROOF research shows that 59% of wine drinkers tend to order white or rose rather than red when going out for just drinks.
This highlights the importance of having the right white and rose range, particularly in wet-led sites, to capitalise on this growth opportunity. Italian and South African whites are proving to be more popular this year, as is Italian Blush Pinot Grigio. Although red is losing share, with Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir in decline, Merlot and Portuguese blends are gaining on last year’s volumes, and these will be important to have on the list in the run-up to the festive period when demand for red typically grows. PROOF’s GB on-trade Christmas report is available below for more on what consumers want for this coming season.
Sources: PROOF Insight consumer research, CGA 52 weeks to 12.08.23
Contact PROOF for the Christmas Report
The Scottish government has launched a consultation to increase the minimum unit price by 15p to 65p. The current MUP of 50p per unit was introduced in May 2018, but the provisions are due to expire next April. If the increase is to go ahead, this would increase the price of a bottle of whisky at 40% abv by 30% to at least £18.20, and a 700ml bottle of gin or vodka would cost at least £17.07.
Responses to the consultation need to be submitted by 22 November 2023.
Sources: The Spirits Business, Public Health Scotland
6.6m pints of beer and cider were sold in the UK as the tournament kicked off on Tuesday, 19th, and Wednesday, 20th September, providing a necessary boost to pubs. CGA Daily Drinks Tracker also reflects this uplift; beer and cider volumes in managed pubs were up +9.4% and +8.8%, respectively, on Tuesday vs. the same day last year. Dwell time also increased by an average of 10 minutes on Tuesday and 6 minutes on Wednesday. Many matches will often occur during the weekdays, which publicans feel will help with those quieter evenings.
Sources: The Morning Advertiser, Oxford Partnership, CGA Daily Drinks Tracker
A centuries-old tradition of beer spas is now revived in Prague, where customers can find relaxation, beauty and health benefits from bathing in beer. In a cellar by a roaring fire, beer barrel tubs are filled with hot water, hops and brewer’s yeast; claimed to provide essential vitamins, proteins, acids and other bioactive nutrients beneficial for skin, organs, digestion and the immune system. Whilst bathing, patrons are encouraged to drink unlimited beer from the taps conveniently located beside the tubs, whilst eating fresh beer bread!
Sources: PROOF Insight, Original Beer Spas Prague
Sources: Restaurantonline.co.uk, The Morning Advertiser
Sources: The Drinks Business, The Spirits Business
