by MELISSA DOWLING
Retailers have reported a surge in ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages: According to our recent study, conducted in July 2025, more than 43% said that category’s increase in sales was most impacting their business. Over a quarter (27%) said they would expand shelf space for more RTDs if they could.
For bar and restaurants, vodka still pays the bills, as 22% said it was the category with an increase in sales most impacting business right now — twice as many that had reported tequila and whiskey as key growing categories. But nearly 19% of on-premise respondents said that RTDs were the category for which they would expand menu space, just behind tequila with 25%. RTDs also tied with mocktails/alcohol-free spirits as the category generating the most buzz on-premise.
Cabernet sauvignon was the most popular wine varietal for the off-premise , while chardonnay was king on premise. Lager was the most popular beer style, followed by IPAs, for both the retailers and restaurants.
It was a grim quarter for retailers, as more than half (52%) said beverage sales were below plan, vs. 25% of restaurant respondents. Over 56% of the on-premise survey participants said sales were on plan, and 19% said sales had exceed plan, vs. 38% of the off-premise saying sales were on plan and just 10% saying they were above plan.
There’s no question that consumer buying behavior has changed this year, as 52% of the off-premise respondents and 42% of on-premise said that people were buying less. It seems to be hitting the off-premise harder. More than half of the retailers (52%) said customers were spending less or buying less-expensive brands, compared to 25% of restaurant operators. •