Embracing the changing on-trade
Diving into the On-Trade
Let’s talk about the On-Trade – that sacred space where we gather for laughter, camaraderie, and the pursuit of a good time. It’s where friendships flourish, and memories are made over the clink of glasses and the swirl of spirits.
But let’s not sugarcoat it – the past few years have been a rollercoaster ride none of us signed up for. Remember when the world turned upside down? Yeah, that dreadful virus wreaked havoc on everything we held dear. Suddenly, our beloved industry was thrown into chaos, and words like "unprecedented" were tossed around like confetti at a wedding. But no fancy term could capture the emotional turmoil we all endured.
Feeling the after effects
Fast forward, and here we are, emerging from the wreckage, albeit still feeling the aftershocks. The carefree vibes of yesteryears seem like a distant memory, overshadowed by the ever-changing landscape of the "New Normal." Just when we think we've got it figured out, another curveball comes hurtling our way.Why the sombre tone, you ask? Because to truly appreciate something, you have to acknowledge its absence. And boy, did we miss this industry.
Despite the challenges looming ahead, one thing remains constant – the people. They’re the heartbeat of this trade, the glue that holds us together through thick and thin.Let's talk trade events – the lifeblood of our industry. Sure, they're hectic, with a million things to juggle, but there's magic in the chaos. It's not just about showcasing new flavours and trends (though, don't get me wrong, we love that too). It's about the sense of belonging, the shared experiences, the hugs, and smiles exchanged like currency among friends.
Bringing people together, one cocktail at a time
Now, you might be wondering, what does all this have to do with cocktails? Well, not everything – and that's the beauty of it. We're all in this together, united by our passion for driving excitement and energy into the trade. Whether it's through our interactions with one another or the delicious concoctions we serve up, we're writing the next chapter of our industry's story.
So here's to endless possibilities, to resilience in the face of adversity, and to a future brimming with hope and good spirits, may we continue to raise the bar, one cocktail at a time.
Written by Sallianne Morris - Head of On-Trade