Headlines January - February 2023

Dear customer…

Welcome to the first edition of Headlines for 2023. We hope your festive period has been busy and profitable and the New Year brings a positive start for us all.

We have put together some fantastic deals on bottled beers, bottled ciders and soft drinks as well as hints and tips to bring your customers back at the start of the year. Our category advice focuses on making the most of the key calendar dates and the huge opportunities that the Six Nations brings to attract the crowds.

The Six Nations starts on

Saturday 4th February through to the 18th March, with high quality rugby action and national pride at stake. Live on terrestrial TV it provides a perfect platform for venues to boost trade. The climax of the 2022 Six Nations saw almost 11.5 million pints* of draught beer and cider sold in pubs and bars across the country on ‘Super Saturday’, so expect your outlet to be busy during the event and plan accordingly.

Following on from the World Cup there are also the much-anticipated advanced stages of the

Champions and Europa Leagues to look forward to in football, with English teams proudly flying the flag for us in Europe.

Make sure to promote the key calendar dates in 2023 as these are the perfect times to run drinks promotions. There’s also Chinese New Year, Burns Night and of course Valentine’s Day to provide you with additional opportunities to drive sales and profit.

Wishing you all the very best for a Happy & Prosperous 2023.

Almost 11.5 million pints of draught beer and cider were sold in pubs and bars across the country as ‘Super Saturday’ saw the exciting climax of the Six Nations in 2022*

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Give customers a reason to stay in your venue to watch the later fixture or for the rest of the night.

Hold a rugby themed quiz. Prizes for the winners will appeal to customers. Use bounce back cards or tournament discount cards to entice customers back throughout the competition. Ensure you are always advertising the next Six Nations match so customers know when to come back.

Check that your screens are in full working order and positioned for optimal viewing. Advertise the matches you will be showing & when, as well as any offers you are running. Use posters and chalkboards inside your venue and banners and A boards externally. Social media is a great tool for communicating with your customers #Scoreprofits Look out for POS support from key brewers in advance and decorate your venue with flags and bunting to create a winning atmosphere.

Take table bookings for the matches in advance to help manage customer numbers and group sizes. Take pre-payments to avoid no shows – include an attractive drinks package in the price.

Highlight beers that are relevant to the participating nations and stock Six Nations themed guest ales. Offer quick and simple half time snacks such as burgers and hot dogs. Taking pre-orders will help for a smooth service. Why not add country themed toppings: Brie & red onion chutney  France Mozzarella & pepperoni  Italy Rarebit  Wales

Run special drinks promotions - discount products for the duration of the tournament. Make them country themed for added appeal. Run a Six Nations themed specials menu throughout the tournament or just on match days.

2023 Boost Your Business

Atmosphere Food Drink

Generate business in the quietest month of the year for the On Trade by promoting Chinese New Year!

Dress in red: staff could wear something red as it is the key colour of Chinese New Year to bring luck. Decorate with Chinese lanterns.

Celebrate the life and work of the great Scottish poet Robert ‘Rabbie’ Burns. It’s a great opportunity for customers to sample traditional Scottish food and drinks. Celebrate longer by making it a Burns Week!

Put on a traditional Scottish 2 or 3-course set menu. Include haggis, neeps & tatties and a free dram!

Valentine’s Day is a welcome occasion in the pub calendar at a quiet time of year. It attracts a variety of guests, both couples and singles, who are willing to spend a little extra in the name of love.

Plan a Valentine’s Day campaign – combine digital & traditional media to effectively deliver your offer e.g.posters, flyers, A-boards, website, social media & email.

Offer special Chinese food – a whole duck or dumplings.

Run a Burns Open Mic Night with bagpipes and Scottish themed acts.

Create a special lovely set menu – sure to boost business. Add a little romance with sharing dishes and heart shaped desserts.

Chinese dishes match well with wine.

Scottish gins, whiskies, rum & beer are ideal for Burns Night events.