CGA’s Drinks Recovery Tracker shows average drinks sales by value in Britain’s managed pubs, bars and restaurants in the week to Saturday 15th were only 12% below the same week in 2020 - and a notable improvement on the 18% shortfall in the first week of the New Year. But continuing COVID restrictions in Scotland and Wales saw sales there down 28% and 24% respectively, while England was down 11%.

Most notably, however, was the split between categories. While beer and cider sales were tracking 13% down, spirits sales were actually up 1% - suggesting the cocktail culture many learned in lockdown may be permanent. It also look like drinkers may be switching to spirits from wine.

For the full story go to https://cgastrategy.com/drinks-sales-edge-up-ahead-of-restrictions-easing/