Headlines Jan - Feb 2025 by Lords Marketing

Headlines

Dear customer…

Welcome to the first edition of Headlines for 2025. 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 cask ales along with bottled beers and soft drinks to help restock your depleted fridges. Our category advice looks at how to benefit from Dry January and the growth in Low and No drinks as well as the predicted trends for 2025.

The start of the year has an abundance of live sport to enjoy and help get the crowds back in. With the new format of the Champions and Europa Leagues there are the final matches of the league stage to look forward to in January, with English teams aiming for those top 8 spots and automatic qualification to the last 16 in February.

There is also the Six Nations starting on Friday 31st January through to Saturday 15th 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.

Make sure to promote the key calendar dates in 2025 as these are the perfect times to run drinks promotions. There’s Burns Night, Chinese New Year and of course Valentine’s Day!

Wishing you all the very best for a Happy & Prosperous 2025.

Cheers!

£88.50 £78.00 £88.50 £75.00

Offer available from 1st January to February 28th while stocks last. Subject to depot availability. *Source: KAM Low & No 2024 Offer available from 1st January to February 28th while stocks last. Subject to depot

Maximise sales of Low and No Drinks in January

Monin’s research found 75% of UK adults were actively trying to reduce their alcohol consumption.*

• Low and No beer is now the fastest growing beer category in the UK.

• Nearly half of young people opt for Low and No.**

• The younger generation are now the most sober age group overall, with 39% of 18–24-year-olds not drinking alcohol at all.

• The beer category has seen sustained year-on-year growth of Low and No alcohol options of 23%. By January 2024, 87% of pubs served at least one Low or No alcohol beer & of these 8% serve a draught option in addition, compared to just 2% at the end 2019.***

• Dry January brings the On Trade its own dilemma, but also a huge opportunity to build sales.

To meet the challenge of Dry January head-on, & maximise your sales, you need to go further in stocking & promoting your Low and No alcohol range. Consider lager, cider, spirits, wine, sparkling & also mocktails. Here’s some of our favourites:

The On Trade can deliver a quality non-alcoholic drink, with all the flair, serve, garnishes, look & taste of a cocktail. Instagrammability always helps too, especially with younger customers.

By offering healthy alternatives, & a place to get the pub experience without the alcohol, you can support your customers & overcome the challenges of Dry January to maximise your sales – & aim to get new regulars for the rest of 2025.

*https://www.morningadvertiser.co.uk/Article/2024/11/11/monin-2025-drinks-trends-for-pubs

TACKLE THE TRENDS FOR 2025

MINDFUL DRINKING CLOSER TO HOME

Customers are increasingly showing a desire to reduce their alcohol intake.

Grow your range of Low and No drinks.

SUSTAINABILITY

72% of UK customers said sustainability practises influenced their choice of bar or pubs* .

Stock drinks from suppliers with sustainable credentials such as Molson Coors, Wenlock Spring & Heineken.

DIGITAL INNOVATION

83%** of people begin their restaurant choice journey online so a robust digital presence is key. The real influence comes from customer experiences shared through reviews.

Boost Visual Engagement: Posting more reviews, photos & videos onlineespecially on social media & Google Business profiles.

43%*** of customers are interested in trying Scottish, Welsh & Irish cuisine with a curiosity to try new dishes differing from English.

Tie in to key dates e.g. Irish Stew & Whiskey on St Patrick's Day.

Over 55% of customers would like to expand their palates and explore new flavours when dining out. An emphasis on hearty comfort food as well as the feel good factor.

Opportunity to offer more authentic & robust flavours.

FRIENDLY FIBRE

73% of customers agreed eating a wide variety of plant foods is key to good health.

Stock & promote vegan drinks & food.

CASH IN ON COCKTAILS

Modern cocktails are growing in popularity with customers set to get bolder in their choices.

Promote unique serves with coffee cocktails a winner!

CUSTOMERS IN 2025 ****

With less disposable income, customers are more selective in their spending, with many opting for fewer visits.

Customers eating out are seeking more memorable, experience-driven outings.

Many are looking for eco-friendly restaurants that source locally, reduce waste, & offer plant-based menu options.

Offer premium options to increase spend per visit & a better customer experience.

Ensure a welcoming environment - this can lead to higher guest satisfaction & loyalty.

Link up with local eco-friendly suppliers for your menus.

Raise a glass for...

BURNS NIGHT

SATURDAY 25TH JANUARY

CHINESE NEW YEAR WEDNESDAY 29TH JANUARY

VALENTINE’S DAY FRIDAY 14TH FEBRUARY

Get a New Year boost by promoting these key dates to entice customers back to your venue in January & February. Themed cocktails are a great addition to your list to create a buzz & something fresh to tempt your customers, as well as serving up big profits for you!