Despite a challenging economic year, the on-premise channel still is committed to offering consumers the opportunity to explore the latest alcohol beverage trends. “In 2013, the channel experienced softness as consumer confidence fluctuated due to economic uncertainties and consumers held back on spending somewhat,” says Donna Hood Crecca, senior director for Chicago-based Technomic Inc. “Overall volume was down, although dollars rose. Our research reveals fewer on-premise occasions in 2013 but interestingly more drinks per occasion.”
Noting consumers’ penchant for dining out, Mike Ginley, partner at NextLevel Marketing, Westport, Conn., says that although the channel was not immune to the economic and weather challenges within the past year, the market research firm’s latest consumer survey indicates that 79 percent of respondents reported that they are going to bars and restaurants as often or more often, and that 75 percent are spending as much or more during each occasion.