Kane's Late Show Sparks Pub Sales Boom as England Fans Pack Out Locals

England may have left it late on the pitch, but fans wasted no time getting to the bar as the Three Lions’ dramatic win over DR Congo sent pub sales soaring across HEINEKEN UK’s managed operator pubs in its Star Pubs estate.

With a 5pm UK kick-off perfectly timed for the after-work rush, pubs were primed for a blockbuster afternoon, and the numbers did not disappoint. Sales jumped by 130.2% versus a year ago, as supporters piled in to watch England edge through to the last 16.

The biggest cheers came with a pint in hand with cider sales up 182% year on year, while lager sales rose 160% as Kane’s late double rescued England and gave fans a comeback to celebrate.

Cruzcampo once again led the way, with 210% year-on-year value growth, while Birra Moretti was close behind at 178%.

Cider also put in a strong shift, with Strongbow Dark Fruit up 179% and Inch’s close behind at 174% as fans made the most of a huge summer football moment in the nation’s locals.

Lawson Mountstevens, Managing Director of Star Pubs, said: “England certainly made us sweat, but that late drama is exactly why there’s nowhere better to watch tournament football than the pub. A 5pm kick-off gave people the perfect excuse to leave work, meet their mates and get behind the team and our pubs were buzzing from kick-off to the final whistle. These figures show just how powerful live sport can be for pubs, bringing people together and delivering a brilliant boost for the nation’s pubs.”

England’s 2-1 comeback victory, sealed by two late Harry Kane goals, sets up a last-16 clash with Mexico and pubs will be hoping the Three Lions keep giving fans plenty more reasons to head to the pub.

Notes to editors

All data from HEINEKEN UK’s managed operator pubs in its Star Pubs estate vs same period last year.

About HEINEKEN UK:

Headquartered in Edinburgh, HEINEKEN is the UK’s leading pub, cider and beer business. The company owns around 2,400 pubs as part of its Star Pubs business and employs around 2,100 people. We are passionate about our cider and beer brands and the outstanding service that we offer to our customers. Our unrivalled portfolio of brands includes, Heineken®, Foster’s, Strongbow, Cruzcampo, John Smith’s, Inch’s Cider, Amstel, Birra Moretti and Old Mout, backed by a full range of niche and specialty brands. HEINEKEN also owns Beavertown and Brixton Brewery. HEINEKEN also has a range of alcohol-free products that include the largest alcohol-free beer in the UK, Heineken 0.0, Birra Moretti Zero, Inch’s Cider 0.0, and alcohol-free Old Mout cider variants.

For more information: contact joanna.dring@heineken.co.uk.

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