Cider is growing again in pubs, says Thatchers

Cider is back in growth in pubs and bars. Thatchers commercial director Joanna Austin told the Morning Advertiser the on-trade category grew 4.1% over the latest 12-week period, helped by big sporting occasions bringing extra visits. Thatchers itself grew 7.5% over the same period.

The festive focus: making sure regular cider drinkers can find their usual brands over Christmas, while catering for moderation with its Zero and Blood Orange 0.0 options.

The pressure on operators: "Every landlord I speak to cites cost inflation as their number one challenge," Austin said, pointing to national insurance, wages, energy and business rates, with guests also expecting higher standards.

The supplier's pitch: its Perfect Drop dispense system, which Thatchers says was developed with operators to cut waste and improve serve quality.

So what: a category in growth is worth a fresh look at your range before December, particularly the draught line and a credible 0.0 option. Treat supplier claims on waste as something to test against your own line-cleaning and yield figures rather than take on trust.