Nielsen data shows slowing growth in off-trade drink sales
There was a slight slowing of growth in off-trade drinks sales in the week ending October 17 according to latest data from Nielsen.
Total off-trade BWS sales were 16% ahead of the corresponding week in 2019, a fall from growth of 19% in each of the previous three weeks.
The slowdown was led by Champagne, which saw growth fall from 28% in the week to October 10, to 17% in the week to October 17.
At the same time, spirits growth fell from 20% to 13%, wine dropped from 19% to 14% and non-Champagne fizz growth went from 18% to 11%.
Beer growth remained stable at +21% and cider was the only major category to see faster growth, rising from +14% to +15%.
But the continuing difficulties faced by the on-trade because of the pandemic and localised restrictions means that off-trade sales are still enjoying exceptional growth rates, with BWS up 23% for the period from February 1 to October 17, against the same period in 2019.
Beer sales have risen by almost a third in that time.
Nielsen said there were differing fortunes for multiple grocers and impulse retailers across the main drinks categories.
Multiple grocery drinks sales were up by only 13% in the week to October 17, against 22% growth in impulse.
Champagne is up 23% in supermarkets but down 9% in impulse.
