Tequila sales soar 175% at Waitrose

Tequila, gin and rum have been the most purchased spirits from retailer Waitrose since the UK went into lockdown due to the pandemic.

Waitrose’s sales of Tequila soared 175% since lockdown measures were implemented in the UK

According to a new report from British department store John Lewis and supermarket Waitrose, Tequila sales have risen 175% since lockdown measures were enforced on 23 March. UK prime minister Boris Johnson told everyone to stay at home to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

Tequila sales soared 175% as people hosted themed virtual parties – from Mexican nights to cocktail hours.

Liqueur sales jumped 78% as consumers created more cocktails at home, the report noted, while other cocktail ingredients grew 46%.

John Vine, spirits buyer at Waitrose, said: “With our favourite pubs and bars sadly being shut we have seen the rise of the ‘have-a-go’ bartender at home. People are shopping for more unusual ingredients such as Tequila and triple sec in order to make that perfect drink for staying ‘in in’.”

Online searches of wine on Waitrose.com were up 486%, while beer increased by 269% and gin grew by 144%. Online searches of tonic water also rose by 254%, while non-alcoholic ‘gin’ was up by 46%.

The report also surveyed 2,000 UK adults through One Poll and found that 27% have taken part in virtual social group activities. This included a pub quiz (37%), cocktails or drinks parties (20%), eating dinner or food with friends (20%) and having a virtual date (9%).

Of those who drink alcohol, 25% are drinking more since lockdown and 21% have reduced their consumption of booze.