Press Release:
> Traffic in the on-premise channel was down 0.1% in the 4 weeks ending 11/30, which continues the improved trend over the past 3 months vs. the approximately 1.5% traffic decline during the first half of the year. We attribute the improved trend to the benefits of lower gas prices and improved consumer sentiment. Overall food and beverage retail sales were up 2.6%, driven by alcohol dollar sales up 0.6% and food sales up 3.6%. Food volume was up 1.5% vs up 0.4% YTD with food prices holding steady at +2.1%. Thus consumers are taking the savings from lower gas prices and ordering more food with smaller dishes (in other words, appetizers/sides), which is still gaining share vs. entrees.
> We’ve seen the biggest improvements in the casual dining segment and the lodging segment. Independent fine dining locations are seeing traffic decline but at a slower rate than earlier in the year. Bars and clubs remained pressured with traffic down 2.2% in the latest 4 weeks, likely a function of economic pressure on the 21-27 year old demographic as well as the dynamics driving the pressure on the late night day part.
> Beer volume was down 3.6% which is in-line with the YTD trend, while wine volume was down 1% and spirits volume down 0.7%. Beer continues to have the highest price/mix of the 3 segments, with price/mix up 3.6% in the latest 4 weeks vs up 0.9% for wine and 2.2% for spirits. Trade up to higher end beers is driving a big part of the 3.6% price/mix for the category.
> Craft beer share was up 1.3% vs up 1.9% YTD as share gains have moderated in recent months. Premium Light share was down 1.6% vs down 1.9% YTD. Cider share is up 0.5% which is line with its YTD trend.
> IPA continues to be the fastest growing beer style, gaining 1.3% share points in the latest 4 weeks.
About GuestMetrics LLC
GuestMetrics collects check-level data from the Point-of-Sales (POS) systems of over ten thousand restaurants & bars closely representative of the broad on-premise sector across geographies, and with respect to the make-up of casual dining, bars/clubs, fine dining, and lodging. GuestMetrics turns billions of raw transactions into intelligible information that is transforming the business operations of everyone from the independently-owned bar/restaurant on the corner, to multi-national chains, to the food & beverage companies that supply them. Please visit www.GuestMetrics.com for more information and to schedule a free demonstration.