Consumer intelligence firm NielsenIQ has revealed data showing sales of alcoholic Ready to Drink (RTD) beverages in Australia’s On-Premise have leapt by more than a third in just two years.

Key data highlights:

• RTDs generated $2.5 billion of spending in 2025 – 12% up vs YA
• RTDs attract 15 cents in every dollar spent on drinks in Australia’s On-Premise
• 53% of RTD sales were from draught lines, 47% from packaged items
• Vodka-based spirit RTDs make up nearly half (48%) of all RTD sales

The analysis highlights RTDs generated $2.5 billion of spending in 2025—12% up from 2024 and 35% more than in 2023. The stellar performance has made it the fastest growing category in the country’s licensed sector, and the third largest category by value across Beer, Cider, 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 are revealed in fresh RTD analysis that has just been 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%) of sales were from draught lines, while packaged items accounted for 47%. Draught sales have soared by 57% in two years—more than three times the 17% growth in the packaged segment. Meanwhile vodka remains the dominant spirit, making up nearly half (48%) of all RTD sales. Whiskey-based RTDs attracted a 27% share.

NIQ’s OPM analysis is enhanced by consumer research that sets out the demographics and preferences of RTD purchasers. This reveals that younger adults dominate the segment, with nearly half (46%) 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.

Ryan Winslade, Client Associate Director – Australia at NIQ, said: “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. 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, as well as identify headroom opportunities and assess competition.