The UK White Spirits and RTDs market research report identifies consumer attitudes towards value and volume sales, trends in launch activity, and leading usage occasions in the UK. This market report covers the market size, market forecast, market segmentation and RTD industry trends for the Wines and Spirits industry in the UK.
White spirits’ strong associations with celebrations are a key purchase driver for this category and can be mined to support sales even amidst the income squeeze and alcohol moderation trend. Looking beyond infrequent special occasions such as parties, focusing on more low-key at-home occasions and marking everyday achievements hold untapped potential for driving sales.
Pressure on household incomes in 2022 will erode sales of white spirits owing to their relatively high price and discretionary nature. Promoting simple and relatively inexpensive mixed drink recipes and further NPD in smaller formats designed to hit a more accessible price point should help brands to support sales during the income squeeze. These smaller formats would also align well with the current alcohol moderation trend.
The ageing UK population, in particular the projected decline in the population of 18-34s over 2021-26, will impede sales of both white spirits and RTDs given that both have a significant youth bias in their usage.
RTDs being sold in smaller packs, and therefore at a more accessible price per can/bottle, means they should continue to outperform white spirits during the income squeeze. Their relatively low ABV will also stand them in good stead amid the alcohol moderation trend. However, in light of consumer interest in the quality of the mixers used in RTDs, brands must reassure consumers of the drinks’ high-quality ingredients in order to drive purchase, helping them to appeal as a premium yet affordable treat.
Read on to discover more details or take a look at all of our UK Drinks market research.
Products: Vodka, gin, white rum, tequila, RTD (ready-to-drink).
Brands: Halewood International (JJ Whitley), Pernod Ricard (Absolut), Roust Group (Russian Standard), Loch Lomond Group (Glen’s), Diageo (Smirnoff, Gordon’s, Tanqueray, Captain Morgon), Bacardi Martini (Grey Goose, Bombay Sapphire), Whyte & Mackay (Vladivar), G&J Distillers (Greenall’s), William Grant & Sons (Hendrick’s), Beam Suntory (Sipsmith), SHS Group (WKD), Corinthian Brands (Dragon Soop), Maxxium UK (Sourz), The Biggar Gin Co., Kopparberg, Aldi, Lidl, Sainsbury’s, Tesco, The Whisky Exchange, Majestic, Destilerias Sierra Unidas, Tequila Cuervo La Rojena (Jose Cuervo), Burleighs, Green Man, NB Distillery, Discarded, Hyke, Jim & Tonic, Spirits of Virtue, Bloody Classic, Nohrlund, Harvey Nicholls, Booths, Beefeater, Havana Club, Funkin Nitro Cocktails, Berczy, CleanCo, Strykk Not G*N & Tonic, Mavrik, Bud Light, Bedega Bay.
This report, written by Alice Baker, a leading analyst in the Food & Drink sector, delivers in-depth commentary and analysis to highlight current trends and add expert context to the numbers.
Pressure on household incomes in 2022 will erode sales of white spirits owing to their relatively high price and discretionary nature. Promoting simple and relatively inexpensive mixed drink recipes and further NPD in smaller formats designed to hit a more accessible price point should help brands to support sales during the income squeeze. These smaller formats would also align well with the current alcohol moderation trend.
Alice Baker
Senior Food & Drink Analyst
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