A new report, which has been compiled from a ‘Bars in 2035’ roundtable featuring some of the world’s most influential, experienced and celebrated bartenders says that bars have a bright future, IF, they can embrace big trends in ‘glocalisation’, moderation and social media.
The roundtable was hosted by CGA by NIQ and SIP by Pernod Ricard during the World’s 50 Best Bars Awards in Madrid at the end of 2024 and saw nine leading bartenders discuss the opportunities and the challenges the bar industry will face over the next decade.
The nine participants in the roundtable were: Priyanka Blah, founder of The Dram Attic; Simone Caporale, founder of Muyu, P(OUR) and the Sips bar in Barcelona; Indra Kantono, co-founder of Jigger & Pony Group; Alex Kratena, co-founder of Muyu and London bar Tayēr + Elementary; Francois Monti, founder of the Bitterness agency and author of four books; Sara Moudoulaud of Bar Nouveau in Paris; Danil Nevsky, founder of Indie Bartender, the Vagabond Project and the Daiquiri Kombat Klub (DKK); Remy Savage, creative director of Le Sydnicat and La Commune and winner of the title of Best International Bartender of the Year; and Anna Sebastian, founder of Anna Sebastian Hospitality and Celebrate Her.
The roundtable was co-chaired by Dylan Battick, consumer research manager at CGA by NIQ, and Charlie Mitchell, head of insights and consumer research at CGA by NIQ.
One of the key trends that the roundtable forecast for the next 10 years was described as ‘Glocalisation’ which the panel described as the growing consumer demand for both big international brands as well as experiences with local appeal.
The roundtable said: Globally, 24 per cent of consumers say it is now more important to them than it was a year ago that their drink is from their own country—and concerns about environmental impacts are likely to drive more interest in locally-sourced products.”
“There will be an increased emphasis on bars and restaurants that understand they are part of the cultural landscape of a place,” said Remy Savage.
SOCIAL MEDIA
Social media was another area that the panel said was transforming the way bars and drinks brands influence both consumers and one another. CGA by NIQ data shows 72 per cent of consumers have visited a specific bar after seeing it on social media or online, while 66 per cent have bought a specific drink or food item after spotting it there.
The panel said: “Influencers are likely to have an even more powerful impact on drink choices in the next ten years.”
Danil Nevsky added: “There are people on TikTok and Instagram who none of us have heard of, but they influence more consumer behaviour than any of us,” said Danil Nevsky.
Many in the trade will know that moderation is already a trend across the country, but research from CGA by NIQ reveals the moderating consumer can be a growth market if bars and brands can present them with the high-quality options they demand.
Thirty-two per cent of on-premise consumers say they are drinking or planning to drink alcohol less frequently than they were a year ago. However, moderating consumers still want to drink out, and drinking better, which is driving a surge of premium beverage options, both alcohol and alcohol-free.
“No alcohol and lighter drinks alternative drinks are a great option on bars now,” said Savage.
MORE TRENDS
Some of the other big trends and issues that the roundtable said will impact bar operators and suppliers in the years ahead, include:
- Drinkers’ growing interest in simple, stripped-back cocktails providing fewer frills and good value for money
- Increased presence of alternative mood-boosts, including nootropic and CBD-based drinks
- The need for businesses to adapt quickly in a volatile world after challenges from recessions, COVID, conflicts and sustained high inflation.
Dylan Battick, Consumer Research Manager at CGA by NIQ, said: “The bar industry is one of the most dynamic and exciting parts of the world’s hospitality scene, and this research makes clear that venue operators, teams and suppliers have a lot to look forward to over the next decade.”
CHALLENGES
Battick added: “But there will be challenges too, and all businesses will need to stay nimble, guest-focused and on top of big trends and issues. Our unprecedented roundtable and report are perfect examples of the collaboration that will be needed for businesses and bartenders to thrive in the years ahead.”
The report also explores some of the challenges facing bars in 2025, including the recruitment, retention, motivation and well-being of staff. CGA by NIQ’s Global Bartender Report reveals that while 72 per cent of bar staff want to stay in the bar industry for the foreseeable future, 46 per cent are currently facing challenges in their work-life balance.
“Positive workplace culture is the key to attracting talent, retaining good people and mental wellbeing,” said Indra Kantono.
Roland Krupinski, Head of global On-Trade development at SIP by Pernod Ricard, said: “Never before has such a diverse and talented group convened on this scale for a roundtable discussion on the future of the bar trade, and I couldn’t be happier with the outcome.”