Ireland’s late-night bars bounce back
Resurgence of sales was particularly evident over the festive season, it said, as it was the first without restrictions for three years
New research from CGA’s On Premise Measurement Service shows that Ireland’s bar industry increased its share of on premise sales by 0.9% in 2022, and by 1.3% from the pre-Covid-19 levels of 2019.
The resurgence of sales was particularly evident over the festive season, it said, as it was the first without restrictions for three years.
In CGA’s 2022 Christmas Report, it found that many consumers were making up for missed celebrations. High tempo drinking occasions boosted nightclubs and late-night bars, which were the leading channel for sales on New Year’s Eve.
The end to closures and curfews reassured many more people about the safety of bars. CGA’s On Premise User Study shows that 84% of consumers in Ireland now feel confident or very confident about visiting bars, which is a year-on-year jump of 25%.
CGA’s sales data points to a welcome revival of sales in drinks categories closely associated with late-night bars, including spirits.
As the most popular drink for high-tempo occasions, attracting nearly a quarter of all sales in bars, vodka is the key here.
They are also the most popular channel for cocktails, with 58% of consumers choosing to drink them in bars.
In the LAD category, lager over-performs in bars and has gained share since the start of the pandemic – driven by draught serves, which account for 45% of LAD sales in the channel.
Sian Brennan, CGA client director for Ireland, said: “2020 and 2021 were tough years for Ireland’s late-night market, but we did start to see its recovery in 2022. It’s clear that many consumers have missed the unique occasions that bars and nightclubs provide, and despite the cost-of-living crisis they remain eager to prioritise their high-tempo weekend occasions.
“However, as bills continue to rise the market will become very competitive, and it will be crucial to track people’s spending patterns and be nimble in capitalising on sales opportunities over the Spring and Summer.”
CGA by NIQ’s combination of On Premise Measurement Service and On Premise User Study provides authoritative data and expert insight into consumers’ spending in Ireland’s On Premise. The research helps suppliers and operators understand people’s changing habits and priorities, pinpoint opportunities for growth and craft winning promotional strategies.
