“Where better to learn more about the key trends and the products shaping the evolving pub market than Pub 2020? “
At William Murray we love a pub. The hub for after work drinks; a place for leisurely Sunday lunches after walks in the country; for book clubs; catch ups with friends; and client meetings. So, we were buoyed by the news of an increase in pub numbers for the first time in a decade.
According to ONS, the total number of pubs rose by 315 last year – and this growth has been attributed to food sales.
It might be a small increase, but an increase none the less. Against a backdrop of rising rates, fluctuating food costs, and a drop in alcohol consumption – down 16% since 2004 – it’s a challenging market. With every challenge comes an opportunity to capitalise on new trends and new consumer demand.
And where better to learn more about the key trends and the products shaping the evolving market than Pub 2020? We checked out The Pub Show to find out more:
Top trends
1. Low and no alcohol
From no and low alcohol beers to non-alcoholic cocktails, there was plenty of NPD on display to help operators meet the nation’s need for adult, no alcohol options. Our pick of the bunch: Sipling. Founded by ‘dinner party mixologist’ Avinish Babla, Sipling has launched six ready-to-drink, premium non-alcoholic cocktails. The range features a mix of favourites based on cocktails including Moscow mule, the mojito and old Cuban. Check them out.
2. Healthier snacks
Two pints of lager and a packet of crisps is no longer, it seems, enough. Today’s pub goer wants healthy, tasty snacks that pack a punch. Thank goodness for Mr Filbert’s, Plant Pops and Bier Nuts.
3. Ethical
Spending on ethical food and drink has jumped from £1bn to £12bn in the last decade[1]. Our favourite from the show was not a plant-powered brand, but an ethical chicken one. The team at The Happy Chicken Project put welfare and quality first. Chickens decide themselves when they want to eat or drink, as they have free access to nutritious feed and fresh, clean water around the clock. They even have toys, and musical instruments to play with. What’s not to love?
Our favourite stand
Fever Tree knocked the competition out of the park (pub?) with its beautiful, immersive stand. Visitors were treated to an ‘ingredient journey’, learning more about the ingredients, botanicals and growing story through video, photography, ‘squeeze and sniff’ stations, and of course, tasting the product.
Foodservice is what we do. For help getting your product or service into the hands of the right people in the industry, call us on 0208 256 1360 or email belinda@williammurray.co.uk
[1] ONS, January 2020
