UK off-trade spirits sales rise 30%

Off-trade spirits sales in the UK grew by 30% from 25 April to 31 May 2020, according to figures released by mixer producer Fever-Tree.

Fever-Tree’s low-calorie soda range

Tonic water producer Fever-Tree has released the results from its latest survey, conducted by Perspectus Global. The poll surveyed 2,000 adults across the UK, who confirmed they were spirit drinkers, about their drinking habits during the coronavirus lockdown.

As many consumers are working from home during the pandemic, a third of those surveyed believed that having an evening drink differentiates between the working day and home life.

In addition, Fever-Tree found that the time saved from commuting has allowed 35% of drinkers to enjoy a long mixed drink such as a G&T at the end of day.

One in four drinkers are also experimenting with spirit and mixer serves during lockdown, as the at-home mixology trend grows.

Rose Cottingham, Fever-Tree’s head of innovation, said: “Our research gives us a fascinating insight into the shifting consumer habits of our nation at this time.

“We know people are looking to food and drink as a way to create a sense of occasion at home, and are looking to brands like Fever-Tree for inspiration in complementing the spirits they have at home – both old and new – to create delicious long mixed drinks, and each of our premium mixers has been crafted to do just this.

“With spirits sales soaring, we want to help people elevate their at-home drinks like the G&T, Highballs and summer Spritzes, and bring life back to home happy hour in the simplest way.”

Fever-Tree is also offering free virtual masterclasses for consumers and businesses, and has created an interactive gin and tonic pairing guide.

In March 2020, Fever-Tree launched a new range of low-calorie flavoured sodas to attract health-conscious consumers.