If we're being honest, then we can all agree that 2025 wasn’t exactly a vintage year. We witnessed stifling and (to put it mildly) erratic trade tariffs, mounting geopolitical tension, market crashes, eruptions and escalations of armed conflicts as well as widespread and crippling perceptions of helplessness.And, quite predictably, collapses in consumer confidence.The hospitality industry suffered too, with a perfect storm of rising costs and economic uncertainty resulting in a balance sheet that was tough to balance, visitors who were reluctant to visit and drinkers ostensibly not too keen
The on-premise should sweat its safe haven status in these apocalyptic times – Comment
The 2026 version of The Apocalypse is in need of the on-premise channel more than ever before.

If we’re being honest, then we can all agree that 2025 wasn’t exactly a vintage year. We witnessed stifling and (to put it mildly) erratic trade tariffs, mounting geopolitical tension, market crashes, eruptions and escalations of armed conflicts as well as a widespread and crippling perception of helplessness.
Charlie Mitchell is a renowned industry commentator and research expert within the drinks industry, having worked for well over a decade delving into the data that tells the story of how consumers eat and drink out.
After having spent 13 years at NielsenIQ (formerly CGA Strategy), where he led the on-trade consumer & bartender research division, Charlie now heads up data, research & insights at Wilde Toast, the specialist drinks agency that helps drinks get chosen, through intelligent activation. Working with bartenders, consumers and trade professionals, Charlie distils what is happening in the sector to build winning strategies for brands.
Email him at [email protected]



