Consumers are ‘drinking less but drinking better,’ Technomic reports
Premium adult beverages are providing momentum to the on-premise channel, according to Chicago-based Technomic Inc.’s 2013 BarTAB Report. Although the channel is slowing overall as consumers control their spending, higher-priced spirits and beers are growing in restaurants and bars, Technomic reports. In 2012, the on-premise channel grew in 0.7 percent in total volume to reach 1.9 billion gallons, and sales rose 3.5 percent to $97.3 billion, it reports. However, Technomic projects there will be slight declines in volume but continued dollar growth in 2013 and 2014.
"Two seemingly opposing trends are at play," explained Eric Schmidt, director of research at Technomic, in a statement. "The slow economy and a level of uncertainty have some consumers reducing their visits to or spending in restaurants and bars, while at the same time their interest in more complex flavor experiences is prompting them to continue exploring more expensive products, such as single-malt Scotch, imported vodka and craft beer. It's reminiscent of the 'drinking less but drinking better' trend of the early 1990s."