Off-trade sales of beer, cider, RTDs and sparkling wine saw an uplift in the week of the Olympic opening ceremony – but overall the games brought less joy to drinks retailers than the Diamond Jubilee, according to market data firm Nielsen. Opening ceremony week saw the third highest volumes for beer, cider and RTDs this year but sales for the rest of the Olympics were…

The Olympics failed to deliver the anticipated boost in drinks sales, according to early indications from retailers.  Although till data taken during the London 2012 games will not be available for several weeks, retailers have predicted sales will remain relatively flat.  Euro 2012 proved a washout as 3% less alcohol was sold during the tournament than during the same period in the previous year, and…

Brands including Tsingtao beer and Crabbie’s alcoholic ginger beer will be on offer at London 2012 viewing platforms as part of producer Halewood International’s new marketing drive. Events company Concerto is hosting pop up venues at landmarks like King’s Cross and the Tower of London, where fans can soak up the atmosphere while watching the athletes on big screens. And Halewood brands will be at…

Tesco has added an English sparkler to its range ahead of the Diamond Jubilee and the Olympics. Broadwood’s Folly Brut Sparkling was made using the traditional method at Denbies Wine Estate in Surrey to Tesco’s specifications, and is to be priced at £16.99. Tesco senior product development manager Laura Jewell MW said: “The launch of Broadwood’s Folly NV has been timed to coincide with the…

The drinks trade is facing a tough 2012 as the country struggles economically – and even major sporting events aren’t expected to bring much of a sales uplift. “The economy is going to be a key influence,” said Nielsen analyst Stewart Blunt. “There will be more unemployment and the caution that brings with it. From that point of view, shopping will become more guarded and…