News

Australians affected by cost of living crisis less likely to visit on-trade

26 August 2022 By Eloise Feilden

Australians affected by the increase in cost of living are going out less frequently for drinks, according to new CGA data, but many are choosing to spend more on what they drink when they do venture to pubs and bars.

The proportion of Australian consumers visiting the on premise is on the rise, CGA data has shown, but this increased frequency of visit is currently driven by more food-led occasions, whilst drink-led occasions have dropped in frequency, despite being enjoyed by a greater proportion of people.

Those that have been affected in some way by the increase in cost of living are going out less frequently for drinks. However, when they do venture out, they are choosing to spend more on what they drink.

CGA has seen an increase in some more expensive drink categories such as cocktails and spirits as a result of this increased willingness to spend. The soft drinks category also continues to thrive, knocking beer out of the number one spot as the most popular category.

Wine has also risen to the second most popular drinks category for the first time since March this year, which CGA predicts will be driven by the time of year and the decline of beer drinkers which has fallen to third position.

One in three on premise consumers have changed their eating and drinking habits as a result of the cost of living crisis, the data revealed, based on 750 consumers (aged 18+) surveyed between 11 – 16 August.

However, consumers typical visitation to the channel is becoming more frequent, likely attributed to the end of dry July and the resettling of concerns over COVID-19 cases, with 63% of consumers now visiting weekly — a climb of +14 per person versus July.