Despite 5 years of continuous declines, Dublin pub sales are finally on the rise according to the Licensed Vintners Association.
Donall O'Keaffee, chief executive of LVA says he optimistic about the future despite the industry facing certain challenges.
"Ten years ago, 75% of alcohol was sold in bars with off-licences accounting for 25%," he told an audience of 200 publicans at theorganisation's 'The Future of the Dublin Pub' conference. "Now, off-trade sales accounts for 55% and as one of our key speakers Leo Crawford, from BWG Group, confirmed, the multiples will continue to compete strongly in the alcohol market in the future".
Pub sales in the rest of the country have dropped by 33% over the past five years. This echoes the statement of C&C chief executive Stephen Glancey, who said last week that pub sales of Bulmers had exceeded off-licence sales for the first time in 7 years.
Speakers at yesterday's Vintners Association conference also discussed the consumer's changing behaviour having a massive impact on sales.
"The pub next door is not the publican's main rival. It's Netflix, Facebook, Twitter and on-demand TV." said consumer expert Kay McCarthy.
She added that there is a high demand for more traditional drinks these days. "We have seen a 42% rise in craft beers this year. We live in a fast-moving environment but in order to be successful, a pub must connect strongly in some way with its customer base," she said.
