The publication today of the BBPA’s beer barometer industry beer statistics shows a period of stability for the sector, with the stabilisation of the beer market being welcomed by the ALMR. The figures show the slowest rate of decline in overall beer sales since 2008 and the lowest in pubs since 2002, the last time beer market was in growth.
The barometer showed a 0.5% drop in the 1st quarter of 2016 and an increase in on trade sales. The CGA figures show that beer now constitutes just under half of all drinks sold in licensed premises, with a -3.1 fall in on-sales. The trend towards home consumption reflects the findings of the ALMR/CGA Future Shock publication earlier this year: that people are choosing a wider range of beverages and food on a night out.
ALMR Chief Executive Kate Nicholls said: “Beer is still our national drink and is widely enjoyed by Britons and tourists alike in the UK’s pubs. Despite the craft beer boom and much larger population in the USA, for every two beers sold in the States, a beer is sold in Britain.
“When people go out they have an ever increasing range of high quality drinks – both alcoholic and non-alcoholic to choose from. Our pubs have adapted to consumer tastes and trends, with pubs and bars catering for a wider demand for wines, spirits and soft drinks. If we want stability to be sustained, now is the time for the government to level the playing field and allow pubs to compete more fairly.”
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