Shopping for beer between Monday and Wednesday is far more common than many might expect, with almost one third of beer shoppers making their purchases on these days of the week, reveals new data published by Carlsberg Marston’s Brewing Company (CMBC).
CMBC is sharing its new ‘Beersonas’ – its take on beer consumer profiles – which have been designed to help convenience store owners understand more about their beer shoppers and cater more effectively to their needs.
The brewer has revealed that while shopping for beer at the weekend or ahead of a major sporting event remains popular, the ‘Early Bird’ shopper category is actually the most common, representing 29.3 per cent of all UK households.
CMBC’s insights teams’ analysis of recent shopping data identified the following key ‘beersona’ profiles that purchase from convenience stores:
Early Birds, representing 29.3 per cent of shoppers. They tend to buy beer earlier in the week, often purchasing ale alongside other grocery staples such as tea bags, canned vegetables and salad. With a higher disposable income, these shoppers also have more free time and can afford to shop around, buying in smaller amounts but more frequently throughout the week, rather than in one big shopping trip.
Rush Hour Regulars, 16.2 per cent of shoppers. They are usually on a ‘meal for tonight’ mission, using convenience stores between 4pm-6pm ahead of dinnertime – this means they will be on the lookout for chilled beer. They are impulsive and can be persuaded to trade up to a new or premium product, favouring lager over ale.
Weekend Welcomers, 25.7 per cent of shoppers. While all beer sales see a spike at the weekend, older adults with families over-index at this time of the week. Weekend Welcomers are often time-poor, and don’t tend to browse for long. They can be impulsive depending on the weather and if there is an occasion coming along. They may be more likely to look at the Low & No alcohol range available, due to having busy family commitments or needing to drive. Having mid packs around the store and chilling beer where possible will help cater to these shoppers’ needs.
One Quick Thing, 28.8 per cent of shoppers. These are ‘top-up’ shoppers and may not initially be looking for beer. However, they can be persuaded to add it to their baskets via strategic fixture placement that draw attention to great products and promotions. They are deal-savvy and time-poor so will be interested in chilled products and will respond to clear messaging about the best deals.
Howard Dix, Business Unit Director for Impulse at CMBC, said, “Whilst the peak time of the week for beer purchases remains Friday and Saturday evenings, there is an opportunity at the start of the week to appeal to a different demographic.
“Retailers might be surprised to know that older shoppers who tend to shop for beer earlier in the week are actually one of the largest groups of available shoppers. I'd encourage convenience store owners to think about whether there are particular promotions they could run from Monday to Wednesday to cater to this group. Our Early Birds tend to like more traditional beers such as ale and standard lager, so focusing on these products will maximise sales for the full week.”
CMBC currently offers a range of products and pack sizes to cater to all these customer groups, including Carlsberg Danish Pilsner, 1664 Bière and Hobgoblin ale with 440ml and 568ml cans proving most popular among convenience store shoppers.
Retail insolvencies remained flat in the lead up to the Budget, shows a recent report, though experts feel that a wave of distress is expected following the Chancellor’s increase in employers’ National Insurance contributions and National Minimum Wage.
Today’s company insolvency statistics show retail trade insolvencies fell slightly from 2,101 in the 12 months to September 2023, to 2,089 in the 12 months to September 2024, and were flat month-on-month (137 in August 2024 to 138 in September 2024).
Gordon Thomson, restructuring partner at leading audit, tax and consulting firm RSM UK, said, “While retail insolvencies were flat in the lead up to the Budget, a wave of distress is expected following the Chancellor’s increase in employers’ National Insurance contributions and National Minimum Wage, due to the vast number of people employed in the industry.
"The current statistics may be the calm before the storm as additional costs put further pressure on retailers’ already-stretched margins, leading to an increased rate of insolvencies in Q1 2025.
“Consumer confidence has been shaky in the lead up to the Budget, and it’s crucial this returns to avoid a disappointing Black Friday and Golden Quarter. Confidence is needed to drive a boost in consumer spending and to the overall UK economy, which saw meagre growth of 0.1% in the last quarter.
“The retail sector is also grappling with increased crime rates, which not only has a devastating impact on margins but also on staff morale. The government’s promises to tackle shoplifting are more important than ever during this festive period, but that alone won’t be enough to revive the sector.
"Retailers will be holding on to see how the next few months perform, but further support is needed to avoid more having to close their doors for good.”
Nearly half of Brits (44%) say they would prefer a G&T to a cup of tea when getting together with friends, according to a new survey by spirits major Bacardi Limited.
The UK consumer survey was conducted as part of the sixth annual Bacardi Cocktail Trends Report which anticipates the key trends redefining global cocktail culture and the spirits business in 2025.
Cocktail culture in the UK is continuing its growth trajectory with nearly half (48%) of all Gen Z consumers (aged 18-29 years old) surveyed saying they would prefer to celebrate a special moment with a cocktail instead of Champagne.
The same group also has a growing interest in cocktails over beer and wine. In the UK, 35 per cent of Gen Z respondents said that compared to last year they are more likely to drink a cocktail than beer and 29 per cent said the same about wine.
“As a family-owned company that’s been around for over 160 years, Bacardi has a strong track record of identifying trends in what and where people are drinking,” says Steve Young, business unit director for Bacardi in the UK & Ireland.
“It’s how we ensure our portfolio of premium spirit brands, including Bacardí rum, Bombay Sapphire gin, Grey Goose vodka and Patrón tequila, are the drinks enjoyed by each new generation of consumers.”
Commenting on the UK’s top 10 cocktails for 2025, Davide Zanardo, head of advocacy for Bacardi in the UK & Ireland, said: “The G&T tops our poll for 2025 so perhaps it’s not surprising it’s now rivalling the cup of tea as the country’s national drink. The love that Brits have for Bombay Sapphire has made the iconic blue bottle a feature in bars, stores and homes across the UK.
“In 2025, the tequila trend will be unstoppable with the Margarita shooting up the rankings of the most popular cocktails in the UK, rising eight places from number 13 in 2024 to fifth in 2025. Agave is what everyone in the industry is talking about and that’s reflected in the demand for ultra-premium tequilas like PATRÓN.”
Top 10 UK cocktails for 2025 are:
1. Gin & Tonic
2. Piña Colada
3. Mojito
4. Rum & Coke
5. Margarita
6. Passionfruit / Pornstar Martini
7. Vodka & Lemonade
8. Irish Coffee
9. Daiquiri
10. Gin & Lemonade
Globally, the five macro-trends defined by the 2025 Bacardi Cocktail Trends Report are:
1: Premium Fans. Fandoms are redefining premium entertainment as they invest in immersive experiences that embrace hospitality add-ons and bespoke travel packages, and next year’s highly anticipated Oasis reunion is only going to fuel this trend. Brands and venues are responding to this demand with offers that include luxury hotels for “gig-tripping” packages and sports bars curating exclusive cocktail experiences. The synergy between fandom and premium spirits at live events is helping to shape the future of entertainment.
2: In-The-Know Imbibing. Cocktail culture is evolving from spectacle to substance, as IYKYK – i.e. If You Know You Know – experiences take centre stage. Mixologists will transform into designers, educators and opinion leaders, using their craft to create a more meaningful connection with every person that walks into their bar. In fact, 61 percent of UK respondents to the Bacardi Consumer Survey are concerned that drinks created by AI will miss the emotional and artistic finesse of bartenders.
3: New Cocktail Frontiers. Digital fatigue and a growing desire for cultural exploration mean people are craving real, multi-sensory engagement—in fact, UK respondents to the Bacardi survey ranked cocktails that provide a multi-sensory experience as a key reason for paying more. This shift is transforming how people enjoy drinks and where they enjoy them. 2025 will see the rise of immersive venues which cater to early evening, sensory-rich cocktail moments.
4: Culinary Connoisseurs. The line between food and drink is blurring as mixologists experiment with kitchen staples like milk, oil, and brine to create a new wave of gastro-inspired drinking experiences. Nearly three-quarters (70%) of bartenders draw inspiration from the culinary arts when creating cocktails, according to the Bacardi Global Brand Ambassador Survey. This trend aligns with consumer interest in savoury and herbaceous flavours, which grew by 20% and 15% respectively in 2024.
5: The Future Spirit. As brands evolve to align with the values of next-gen consumers, 2025 will see a push for inclusivity and a drive for positive change. A strong focus on community building and education will see support for organizations that improve the hospitality landscape. The Bacardi Global Brand Ambassador Survey underscores the industry's motivation for deeper connection with 62% of respondents expressing interest in more professional networking opportunities in 2025.
In-store food sales will see muted year-on-year growth over the festive period, states a new report, claiming that this year, Christmas is set to be a subdued affair for grocers as inflation continues to bite.
According to UK Christmas Grocery Forecast released by consulting firm AlixPartners, in-store sales this Christmas are expected to increase by 2.5 per cent in value terms. However, when adjusted for inflation, this figure becomes a 0.7 per cent decrease.
The forecast, which is based on AlixPartners’ analysis of UK ONS retail sales and consumer confidence data, mirrors findings from the AlixPartners 2025 Global Consumer Outlook, which recently surveyed 2,000 UK consumers on their intended spending for this holiday period. The outlook reveals that only 13 per cent of British consumers are planning to spend more on food this Christmas than last Christmas. 55 per cent intend to spend the same amount as last year, while 21 per cent of British consumers intend to spend less.
Matt Clark, Head of EMEA Retail at AlixPartners, commented, “With the legacy of inflation continuing to bite and consumer confidence holding back spending, this Christmas is set to be a subdued affair for grocers. Last month’s Budget brought difficult news, with many preparing to take a significant financial hit as a result of the National Living Wage and National Insurance Contribution increases. A good ‘Golden Quarter’ has therefore become more important than ever.
“There is some hope on the horizon for the industry. The increase in the National Living Wage should create a small window of optimism for lower-paid customers, during which those consumers will feel more able to spend.
"This is an opportunity that grocers should grab, as it is unlikely to last given likely price increases as costs are passed on. Those businesses that can move fast and decisively may yet be able to retain or grow their share of wallet over the festive period.
“The increased pressures on profits means it is unlikely that we will see a reduction in turnaround or transformation activity as we move into next year. In this vein, agility remains vital, with all businesses needing to be prepared to make tough decisions and to adapt and innovate at pace in the weeks and months ahead.”
Farmers have warned they have "nothing to lose", campaigners have warned, amid fears grow that parts of the farming industry may disrupt food supplies in protest against the Government's inheritance tax policy while ministers are reportedly preparing contingency plans to ensure stores shelves remain stocked.
Industry officials are closely monitoring the escalating tensions and are expected to meet with government representatives this week to assess the potential impact of any action, The Telegraph reported on Sunday (17). This comes ahead of a planned rally on Tuesday (19), where as many as 20,000 farmers are set to converge outside Parliament to protest a 20 per cent tax on inherited agricultural land valued at over £1 million.
Campaign groups cautioned on Sunday that failure to negotiate a resolution could see more radical factions resort to drastic measures, such as blockading ports, airports, and railway lines.
The threat has raised concerns about empty supermarket shelves this winter and risks bringing back memories of disruption last seen at the start of the Covid pandemic, when people stockpiled food at home.
However, Environment Secretary Steve Reed has dismissed the possibility of a policy reversal. Writing in The Telegraph, he urged farmers to “check the facts” and defended the Government’s stance.
In a further attempt to defuse tensions, one minister called for calm, while a Labour MP suggested dissenting farmers had been misled by powerful landowners. With the protest looming and supply chains under threat, the Government faces mounting pressure to address the growing unrest within the farming community.
Prime minister Sir Keir Starmer, who is currently attending the G20 summit in Brazil, defended the Government’s Budget, highlighting a record £5 billion investment in farming. Speaking to reporters aboard a flight to Rio de Janeiro, he acknowledged concerns over the controversial inheritance tax but sought to reassure farmers.
“Obviously, there’s an issue around inheritance tax, and I do understand the concern,” Starmer said. “But for a typical case—parents with a farm they want to pass on to one of their children—by the time you account for exemptions on the farm property, spouse-to-spouse transfers, and parent-to-child allowances, there’s £3 million before any inheritance tax applies. That’s why I am absolutely confident the vast majority of farms and farmers will not be affected by this.”
The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) has publicly urged its members not to strike, but some farmers are threatening action. Clive Bailye, one of the organisers of Tuesday’s protest, said he would not condone direct action but warned some farmers could take matters into their own hands.
“If they really got their act together, they could block entire train tracks and ports. English farmers are a bit more Queensberry Rules than the French, they don’t want to punish the public. I could see things like ports or airports being disrupted if the Government really does dig in, that is what we are going to see over the winter.”
Meanwhile, Andrew Opie, director of food and sustainability at the British Retail Consortium, said, “Retailers are closely monitoring the impact of the potential interventions, including strikes, but are adept at dealing with disruption and are working hard to ensure customers aren’t impacted.”
According to a new Accenture research, price remains a significant factor in spending decisions this festive season, with nearly two-thirds of Brits (62 per cent) maintaining or reducing their budget compared to last year,
Feeling the squeeze, shoppers are tightening their purse strings yet again, with consumers planning to spend on average 11 per cent less than last year. To manage festive spending, 41 per cent are setting strict budgets and 36 per cent are searching for promotions, while nearly half (45 per cent) plan to delay their shopping until November and December.
As shoppers seek more economical ways to gift, the research shows that one in five (20 per cent) UK adults plan to buy presents second-hand from resale platforms, such as Vinted or Depop, or from charity shops. This trend is even more pronounced among Gen Z, with 25 per cent incorporating thrifting into their festive shopping plans.
Stuart Chalmers, retail lead for Accenture in the UK, said, “It will be another tricky festive season for retailers this year. Not only will they need to navigate consumers who continue to be cautious with their spending, but they must account for a developing shift in shopping behaviour, especially amongst Gen Z and Gen Alpha. These younger generations are embracing ‘lifestyle commerce’, which offers seamless shopping experiences and dynamic, consumer-driven marketplaces often found on social media platforms.
"To meet sales targets, retailers must understand that shoppers are increasingly moving towards digital channels, and resale platforms, not solely for financial reasons, but because they prefer the experience. More than ever, it’s crucial for retailers to understand the underlying motivations behind these behavioural shifts and adjust their strategies to accommodate the changing landscape.”
Experience based gifts
Many consumers are moving away from material gifts altogether in 2024, opting for more specific experiences instead. Nearly half (48 per cent) of shoppers said experience-based gifts, like travel and entertainment would allow them to do something unique.
Brits are at the forefront of this trend, with 67 per cent considering buying experiences for family and friends this season with most popular gift being entertainment, such as concert or theme park tickets (49 per cent), followed by travel (44 per cent) and wellness, like gym or spa and yoga retreats (43 per cent).
Gift cards
With UK festive shoppers overwhelmed by the amount of information they need to sift through when buying a gift (76 per cent) and 77 per cent overwhelmed by the number of options, weary shoppers are turning to gift cards to solve their "buyers’ block" – with over half of Brits receiving one last year.
While gift cards are chosen for their convenience – 71 per cent of consumers cite ease as the main reason for buying them. However, 39 per cent of receivers felt disappointed that the giver did not spend enough time to plan a personalised gift. To compound this, the research found that recipients aren’t making the most of their gift cards, with fewer than half using the total balance, and a notable 27 per cent forgetting about it entirely. As a result, an average of £109 per person was left unspent on gift cards in the UK last year.
While the purchase of a gift card immediately translates into revenue for the retailer, unredeemed cards represent a significant missed opportunity for retailers, which could gain new, lifelong customers and incremental sales if used effectively.
Chalmers continued, “With Brits fed up with receiving gift cards in their current state, there is great potential for a redesign. Building creativity and interactivity into the experience can help evolve gift cards from a last-minute, mind-blank gifting solution, into a thoughtful and personal gift that customers are excited to give, and recipients are excited to use."