Spirits category up 52% over bank holiday
According to the figures, which examined average drinks sales in managed venues across the UK, between Friday 5 May and Monday 8 May, spirits sales were 52% ahead vs the average four-day-weekend.
Sunday saw the biggest boost for the category, with spirits trade up 192% on Sunday 7 May.
Cocktail sales rose 47% across the four-day period, rocketing by 210% on Sunday.
Celebratory occasions
Beer and cider sales also saw uplifts over the long weekend, with each category achieving growth of 45%.
Growth for wine and soft drinks was more muted, at 16% and 24% respectively, though both figures were ahead of inflation and the latter had a strong Monday (up 56%) as consumers shifted into lower tempo occasions.
The weekend saw the nation celebrate the coronation of King Charles III on Saturday 6 May and, despite many celebrating the event at home or at street parties, total average drinks sales were up 23% on the Friday and 12% on the Saturday.
Sunday proved to be the best day for on-premise visits with sales soaring 118% as consumers enjoyed the warm weather. The bumper period finished with a growth of 56% on the bank holiday Monday.
CGA managing director UK and Ireland Johnathan Jones said: “Despite some concerns that the coronation would keep people at home, the on premise proved yet again that it is the number one place for celebratory occasions.
Timely boost
“Warm weather was a very welcome follow-up and drew people out to beer gardens and terraces on Sunday and Monday.”
The coronation weekend saw 50.5m pints consumed, with the average pub serving 1,335 pints of draught beer and cider, equating to an average of £6,006.
However, some operators found trade over the weekend did not live up to expectations, attributed to poor weather on the Saturday.
Data from DesignMyNight and Access Colins also showed there were 25% fewer booking taken across the platforms than those made for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations in 2022.
Jones added: “It’s important to remember trading for restaurants will have been quieter, but for pubs, bars and drinks suppliers it was a big and timely boost as we move towards the summer period.”
