Drink sales via delivery and takeaway up 15% in 9 months

However, while the tracker shows delivery and takeaway sales, which includes food, across managed groups is still 91% higher than they were pre-pandemic, sales versus last year have seen a dip of 11%, following the trend seen in August where combined sales were down 7.9% versus 2021.

Typically, drinks make up a smaller proportion of sales, within monthly delivery and takeaway sales. However, versus January 2022 data, drinks’ share of sales in September 2022 were 15% higher – with steady month-on-month growth over the course of this year.

Likely to order from pubs

This opportunity is reinforced in CGA’s Food Insights​ report, which highlights that of consumers who ordered delivery for the first time or more than usual in 2021, 37% of consumers were likely to order delivery from pubs and bars in the future, if available. When it comes to delivery/takeaway formats, alcohol delivery and pickup/collection of alcohol also made up 19% of orders in 2021.

Karl Chessell, CGA’s business unit director – hospitality operators and food, EMEA, said: “Lockdowns saw consumers relying on delivery and takeaways to a much greater extent than they did pre-pandemic and exploring new options, including alcoholic drinks. Operators should be exploring this opportunity given consumer sentiment with careful consideration given to how they can meet customers’ expectations outside the traditional on-premise setting.”

Tumultuous time

Earlier this week, data from the Drinks Recovery Tracker​ by CGA by NielsenIQ showed drink sales in Britain’s on-trade have exceeded last year’s levels for the fourth week in a row​ but remained down in real terms due to rising inflation.

CGA managing director UK and Ireland Johnathan Jones said at the time: “It’s a tumultuous time for the UK economy and politics, but it’s very encouraging to see people are still so keen to drink out in pubs, bars, and restaurants.”