Take-home formats shine at Christmas
SUNSHINE hours may be in short supply over the festive season but that doesn’t mean soft drinks sales should suffer according to AG Barr, with the firm saying Christmas creates a cracking opportunity to push the category forward.
Marketing director Adrian Troy said: “Retailers make more than half of their sales and profit in the three months before Christmas so getting your offering right is essential at this time of year.
“Soft drinks are key to the profit opportunity, as consumers look to stock up on their favourite brands including Irn-Bru, Rubicon and the Barr range.
“Large pack formats and multipacks are in particularly high demand as shoppers prepare for family gatherings and parties.”
Energy drink brand Boost also pointed to the importance of larger formats.
Sales director Al Gunn said: “While the grab and go market continues to grow, the take-home market is also increasing and this is predominantly driven by 1 litre – a key pack size, especially for the Christmas period.
“Our 1 litre SKUs offer a great sales opportunity for the Christmas season and add to the mixer portfolio.”
He added that the Christmas period is a key one for energy drinks with potential sales from the mixer market, designated drivers, tired travellers and hungover partygoers needing to get through the day.
