The time has come, once again, for me to weigh in on what we’re expecting from booze, here in Britain, in 2025. And there’s a lot to pack in! So, let’s get started …
Top of the pack for this year, is likely to be similar to 2024 – Tequila and Rum will dominate. When it comes to Tequila, we’re expecting more growth and a bit of diversification – flavoured varieties and maybe people delving further into the agave category with Mezcal. Rum will remain popular as ever with a continued leaning towards brands that show provenance of production – so get a few Caribbean varieties on your shelf. Whisky is seeing more and more drinkers look to different world varieties while vodka is as popular as ever (although I find there’s not too much to get excited about there).
Nick Gillett
Another success story from this year was low- and no-alcohol spirits. I think the success will continue but we’re going to see a ratification of the category as the lower-quality liquids drop out of the market, and Ready to Drink (RTD) products continue to be popular in the right setting, with the right customer.
Aside from the categories themselves, look out for brands who boast sustainable credentials and a social conscience – we know consumers care more and more about this, and they’re getting more experimental too, so don’t be afraid to jazz up your range.
Finally, this year will be tricky for some producers as duty rates are set to go up again in April, so support the creative, independent producers who care about the quality of their liquids. Your customers might just notice the difference!
Andrew Goodacre
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Birra Moretti grew in value by 2.1 per cent last year
There's considerable current interest in Japanese beers like Sapporo
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BrewDog continues to evolve and improve its AF range
Cold Beer, ABV 3.4 per cent, has delivered over £1.4m sales since launch after its nationwide rollout in September.
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The cider market is showing remarkable resilience and growth, particularly within the convenience channel
Inch's Cider is the apple cider brand that grew the most share in the off trade in 2023
Knights Cider drives growth into the convenience channel
Henry Westons Vintage sells more than one bottle every 0.75 seconds across the UK
Frosty Jack's sold 1.1 million single 500ml cans last year
Old Mout Fruit Cider's 330ml can format requires less fridge and shelf space
Gander app
Rise of delivery lockers is revolutionising the way we send and receive parcels
Retailer Girish Jeeva is set to launch a 24-hour delivery service in partnership with Snappy Shopper. 
Volumatic’s CountEasy
By 31 March 2025, businesses and relevant non-domestic premises in England will need to arrange for the collection of the core recyclable waste streams
QR Squared helps brands move beyond stripy barcodes
Snappy Shopper Delivery
