“There is no doubt that pubs have to work harder to keep up with trends in the wider eating out market in order to stem the decline in visitor numbers. Actively chasing footfall is a must which can be approached through strategies such as targeting specific consumer groups more directly, widening service channels (eg takeaways) and/or re-igniting a ‘want to buy’ mentality in diners by tapping into contemporary ‘theatrical’ tableware trends.”

– Helena Spicer, Senior Foodservice Analyst

“Awareness of the importance of staying hydrated has grown, with more than half of consumers saying that this is an influencing factor when drinking bottled water, either in or out of the home, but there remains a need to remind consumers to increase their consumption.”

– Amy Lloyd, Senior Food and Drink Analyst

“Minimum pricing will only really work as a way of controlling the sale of alcohol in the off-trade if the minimum price per unit is adjusted on a regular basis to try and keep the differential between the two channels the same – or even narrow it to try and encourage more people to drink in a controlled, licensed environment.”

– Michael Oliver, Senior Leisure & Media Analyst

“The impact of the 2012 Olympic Games on the spectator sport market in general terms of value and profile is clearly positive, but the event is also creating a variety of challenges and opportunities for individual sports according to their calendars and character.

Growing or sustaining attendance could also become more difficult should unemployment remain high and consumer confidence remain low, while the declining presence of live sport on free-to-air TV may create a need to find new platforms through which to maintain wider awareness.”

“Consumer research shows that drinkers like one or two ciders but view it as too sweet to drink all night. However, there are a number of ways around this: promoting dry ciders alongside sweeter variants and smaller, more concentrated serves.”

– Jonny Forsyth, Senior Drinks Analyst