offtrade

Offtrade refers to the sale of alcoholic beverages for consumption away from the licensed premises. This contrasts with "ontrade" or "on-premise" sales, which occur at establishments like bars, restaurants, and pubs where the alcohol is consumed immediately. Offtrade sales primarily take place in retail environments such as supermarkets, convenience stores, off-licences (dedicated liquor stores), and online retailers.

The offtrade sector plays a significant role in the global alcohol market, often accounting for a larger volume of sales than the ontrade. Consumer purchasing habits in the offtrade are typically driven by convenience, price, and the desire to consume beverages at home or at private gatherings. Retailers in the offtrade space often offer a wider variety of products compared to many ontrade venues, catering to diverse consumer preferences.

Regulatory frameworks surrounding offtrade sales vary considerably by region and country, often focusing on age restrictions for purchasing alcohol, licensing requirements for retailers, and limitations on advertising and promotion. Pricing strategies in the offtrade can also differ from the ontrade, with retailers frequently offering promotions, multi-buy deals, and bulk discounts. The growth of e-commerce has also significantly impacted the offtrade, providing consumers with new channels for purchasing alcoholic beverages.