CGA have kindly shared with us the first part of their four-part Consumer Countdown to Reopening. CGA have highlighted the key takeout’s as follows:

• Healthy demand for the hospitality sector is evident, with over three quarters of consumers in England stating that they are likely to sit outside hospitality venues within a month after 12th April and four in five (81%) consumers in England stating they are likely to be back in the market by June.
• Managing bookings and walk-ins will be important if venues are to persuade cautious consumers back, as 39% of those who don’t plan on visiting venues within a month of reopening in England said this is because they imagine venues will be busy and want to avoid crowds and 43% of those in Scotland cite their reason as not feeling safe close to strangers.
• Initial visits to the on-trade are likely to look a little different, with consumers more prepared to plan their visits than they did before the pandemic.
  • 59% of consumers who plan to visit a venue within the first week of reopening in England are likely to pre-book their visit. Operators should ensure they are making it easy for consumers to pre-book a table in order not to miss out on visits from those planning in advance.
• Although having to sit outside is likely to deter a proportion of consumers from visiting the on-trade as frequently, 61% intend to visit as frequently, if not more frequently, than usual.
• Consumers in England appear to be looking forward to being able to drink alcohol out without a substantial meal, as 32% of those who plan to visit venues with outdoor seating areas intending to visit just for drinks. Food-led visits are still likely to make up the majority of visits, with 68% planning to have food.
• LADs are likely to do well in England when hospitality venues are permitted to reopen, with typical LAD consumers most looking forward to drinking these serves out again in outdoor seating areas. Whilst for spirits, cocktails are top of the list, meaning the top 5 drinks are all the drink types that people may have missed whilst at home.

To read the full report please Click Here