Ask the Collective
The questions independent drinks founders ask most — answered. Distilled from years of community knowledge so the good stuff never disappears in the feed again.
What does CGA/Nielsen market data cost and how do you access it?
Market data reports from CGA and Nielsen range widely depending on scope. Members report **one-off reports** cost approximately £1–5k each, varying by whether you want category-wide or specific retailer data. For ongoing access, **annual subscriptions with providers like IRI** typically run £12–15k per year. One member noted they paid around £3k for a report a few months ago but wouldn't recommend it—so quality and value vary. The key variable is defining exactly what data you need (category-level vs. specific retailers) before getting a quote, as this drives the price significantly.
What are the current market trends in premium spirits and alcoholic drinks according to recent industry research?
Members are actively tracking the **Mintel 'Attitudes Towards Premium Alcoholic Drinks – UK – 2024'** report, which has recently been released and is the current benchmark for understanding spirits market trends in the UK. Access notes: - The full Mintel report costs approximately £2,000, making it prohibitively expensive for most founders - Members recommend checking **local libraries** for free access to Mintel reports, though availability varies by location - Community members with access are sharing copies within the group to distribute knowledge This report is currently the most referenced source for premium drinks market insights within the community, though specific trend findings from the report were not detailed in the discussion excerpts provided.