UK beer sales fall once again

Beer sales in the UK have fallen in the second quarter of 2013, according to the British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA), although many brewers have seen a recent hot weather boost.

The BBPA’s quarterly Beer Barometer found that on-trade sales were down 5.8% in the second quarter of 2013, compared to the same period in 2012. Off-trade sales also fell, but the 3.6 per cent fall was the lowest second quarter fall since 2005.

The BBPA highlighted that while these figures show the challenges in the current market, they do compare to a quarter last year that included Euro 2012 and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and double bank holiday.

Brigid Simmonds OBE, chief executive of the BBPA said: “The figures clearly show that the market for one of our iconic products is still very challenging. The benefits of the beer duty tax cut, and the increased investment that this will bring to the beer and pub sector, will take time to bear fruit. Yesterday’s financial results saw brewers and pub companies stepping up investment and focusing on export markets.

“The ending of the escalator means that next year’s automatic, above-inflation tax increase has been cancelled, and quite rightly. However, the Government should continue to look for ways to help the sector.”

While the figures for the second quarter are disappointing, several large breweries and pub chains have reported a boost in sales as a result of the recent good weather.

As we reported earlier this week, JD Wetherspoon has delivered “better-than-expected” revenues and Marston’s said takings at its upmarket Pitcher & Piano and Revere chains were running 6% higher on a year ago.

Harvester and Toby Carvery owner Mitchells & Butlers has also said its rate of sales growth almost tripled as the mercury rose.