Pub owners pin hopes on rising cask ale sales

New research from brewing giant Molson Coors has revealed that 80% of pub owners are expecting sales of cask ale to rise and help boost their business.

According to the survey of over 300 pub owners, wine by the glass is also seen as an area for growth - perhaps reflecting the increasing move to food and the difference between on- and off-trade wine brands.

Despite that, more than a third (35%) of pub owners believed their prospects for the next five years were either "poor" or "very poor", compared with only 28% who felt that prospects were either "good" or "very good".

Simon Cox, independent on-trade sales director for Molson Coors (UK), said: "It is obviously a challenging time for the on trade but we're committed to working with our customers to help them provide the atmosphere, the products and the experience that will enable them to thrive even in this tough market.

"It's no coincidence that very similar or identical products found in pubs are easy to find on supermarket shelves, allowing very direct price comparison. By contrast, the products that are less easy to replicate seem to offer the best prospects for the on-trade. The clearest example of this is cask ale and successful food-led outlets. "

Other findings
● 61% of pub owners saw moves to give local residents more control over licensing decisions as threatening
● 85% saw the rising price difference between the off-trade and on-trade as a threat to their future success
● 75% saw the rise in home entertainment as a threat
● 78% saw an opportunity in using websites and apps to promote themselves

Earlier this year Molson Coors acquired Sharp's Brewery, which brews Doom Bar.

Molson Coors buys Doom Bar brewers Sharp's >>

Molson Coors sees fourth quarter UK sales growth >>

Molson Coors launches Carling Chrome into on-trade >>

By Neil Gerrard

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