SPENDING habits formed during the recession have been retained by consumers visiting the on-trade, according to William Grant & Sons UK’s annual market report.
The report, launched this month, assesses consumer behaviour and trends in the drinks industry and found that consumers continue to seek quality when spending in the trade, a trend which has been reflected in the growth of sales of premium products.
Premium spirits sales were found to have grown 14.1% by value year-on-year, a growth rate five times higher than that of the spirit category as a whole.
The report also found the number of food-led outlets in the UK has grown over the last year, up 4.9% on 2014.
Gary Keogh, marketing director of William Grant & Sons UK, said the market is “more polarised than ever” and that premium brands “can really take advantage of this trend”.
“While the recession begins to fade it has left a lasting legacy in the form of consumer habits,” said Keogh. “Conscious choice-making about where to, and where not to spend disposable income is here to stay – thriftiness has become not only habitual but celebrated.”
