Christmas 2024 saw challenges for the UK alcohol market, shaped by lingering inflationary pressures, changing consumer behaviour and evolving preferences. Inflation has eased somewhat, but prices remain high, and this had an impact on how Brits spent their money during the festive season. According to the Office for National Statistics, 85% of Brits think the cost of living is a significant issue, with…

Majestic has announced Christmas 2024 was its most successful yet.  The retailer said that the festive season was its “best-ever” as it saw a sales rise of 1.9% in the six weeks to December 30, during which time it served 70,000 new customers.   The retailer suggested this was thanks to the opening of seven new stores during 2024 and the growth of…

The latest analysis from NIQ has revealed that stout performed especially well in grocers in the four weeks leading up to December 28.   The report said that sales of stout rose +13% in these weeks, which NIQ suggested may be influenced by the challenges around Guinness supply in pubs.  The same data however found that sales for beers, wines and spirits…

2025 has arrived, bringing with it an opportunity to explore new ways to engage with your audience. The best place to start is by understanding their passions and priorities. We’ve curated a list of five consumer trends, along with ideas on how to leverage them.   Interest in micro-communities   It’s fair to say that 2024 was the year of the running club, and…

A ninth-generation descendant of James Delamain, Charles Braastad stepped into the role of cellarmaster this year. He discusses the 200th anniversary of the house, taking over from Dominique Touteau and creating celebratory Cognac. YOU’VE JUST CELEBRATED 200 YEARS OF DELAMAIN. HOW HAS THE HOUSE CHANGED?My family has been involved in Cognac even longer than 200 years. We can trace it back through to…

Tequila and mezcal sales have been making a lot of retailers happy. But, Lucy Britner asks, will the sun set on the Tequila Sunrise? The short answer is ‘yes’. Anyone who has spent time in the industry knows spirits trends are cyclical and just as retailers are reducing their gin selections, many are ramping up agave. Although there may be a time…

Trends in spirits come and go, but vodka endures. It has become increasingly interesting of late too, with new characterful spirits and a focus on stories and provenance. You’re more likely to encounter these in a cocktail bar than on a supermarket shelf, though. Retailers looking to make the most of the new wave of vodkas could learn a lesson or two from the…