Gin and vodka boost UK summer spirits sales

Gin and vodka have been identified as the main value drivers in the UK spirits market over the past three months.

Bombay Sapphire and Smirnoff Vodka have helped boost overall UK spirits sales this summer

According to latest data released by Nielsen, the vodka category grew 4% by value in the 12 weeks to mid-August, reaching sales of £9.9m.

Meanwhile, gin grew 9% to £7.6m, reflecting a surge in consumers’ preference for gin and tonics over the summer months.

Malt Scotch whisky, non-cream liqueurs and American whiskey all experienced double-digit growth.

“Price is relatively stable across spirits, however the category has been boosted by receiving more in store display space in grocers, up 20% on summer 2014, with spirits likely gaining from beer and cider, which saw a 12% reduction,” the Nielsen report states.

Figures show that growth is primarily coming from “branded, well-established brands”, including Smirnoff and Russia Standard in vodka, and Gordon’s and Bombay Sapphire in gin.

This news follows a claim by the IWSR that established spirits brands are “struggling to compete” with craft players and face fragmentation in the market.

Announcing its full-year financial results, Diageo, maker of Smirnoff and Gordon’s, expressed confidence that consumers are “not rejecting big brands”.