AUSTRALIA | NielsenIQ has revealed sales of alcoholic Ready to Drink (RTD) beverages in Australia’s On-Premise have leapt by more than a third in just two years.
The analysis highlighted RTDs generated AUD 2.5 billion of spending in 2025, 12 percent up from 2024 and 35 percent more than in 2023.
The stellar performance has made it the fastest-growing category in the country’s licensed sector and the third-largest by value across Beer, Cider, and Spirits.
RTDs now attract 15 cents in every dollar spent on drinks in Australia’s On-Premise, compared to 12 cents in 2023. The figures were revealed in a new RTD analysis added to NIQ’s On-Premise Measurement (OPM) solution, which provides comprehensive insights into all beverage categories across Australia.
The service offers extensive breakdowns of RTD sales, which totalled around 198 million serves in 2025. Just over half (53 percent) of sales were from draught lines, while packaged items accounted for 47 percent.
Draught sales have soared by 57 percent in two years, more than three times the 17 percent growth in the packaged segment. Meanwhile, vodka remains the dominant spirit, making up nearly half (48 percent) of all RTD sales. Whiskey-based RTDs attracted a 27 percent share.
NIQ’s OPM analysis was enhanced by consumer research that sets out the demographics and preferences of RTD purchasers. This revealed that younger adults dominate the segment, with nearly half (46 percent) of RTD consumers aged 18 to 34.
While these adults tend to choose RTDs based on vodka, whiskey and gin, older drinkers are more likely to prefer darker options, including rum, bourbon and whiskey. Across all age groups, consumers are attracted to RTDs by value and branding, while relaxation and refreshment are among the other key drivers.
“The Ready to Drink category is one of the hottest parts of Australia’s on-premise at the moment. From price to convenience to refreshment and much more, RTDs tick a lot of boxes for consumers, and we’re likely to see more growth throughout 2026,” said Ryan Winslade, Client Associate Director, Australia at NIQ.
“But in an increasingly competitive space, all brands and venues will have to work hard to stand out from the crowd. NIQ’s powerful fusion of sales and consumer insights is here to help pinpoint trends and preferences, and we’re looking forward to helping businesses thrive in this dynamic part of the market.”
NIQ’s OPM service measures brand and category sales performance in On-Premise across multiple territories. OPM enables brand owners to uncover growth-driving market trends, evaluate brand performance and track share, identify headroom opportunities, and assess the competition.
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