New figures show pubs are becoming increasingly reliant on wine and spirit sales, which are being served in equal measure with beer in new gastro pubs and bars.
Generating £280m increase in revenue
The new research from CGA Strategy shows the proportion of wine and spirits sold in pubs, bars and restaurants (the on-trade) is on the up, generating an estimated £280m increase in revenue for the on-trade between 2013 and 2014.
Wine and spirits sales to increase
Forecasts from CGA Strategy show that wine and spirit sales in the on trade are on the up. Wine currently accounts for around 18% of the total value of drinks sold in the on-trade, but the research commissioned by the WSTA indicates this will increase to almost 20% by 2018 while spirits sales will increase from 22% to 24%. Meanwhile beer and lager sales are set to decrease from around 50% to 47% over the next four years.
The figures show that newly opened bars, restaurant and pubs are relying even more on wine sales, which make up over 22% of their sales (with spirits accounting for 18%), compared to 40.2% for beer and cider. Meanwhile, in pubs that are closing, wine accounts for a much smaller proportion of sales – just 12.3%, compared to 58.5% for beer and cider sales.
About the WSTA
The WSTA is the UK organisation for the wine and spirit industry representing over 340 companies producing, importing, transporting and selling wines and spirits. The WSTA campaigns to promote the industry’s interests with governments at home and abroad, and works with members to promote the responsible production, marketing and sale of alcohol.