7 ST. GEORGE’S DAY
14 GRAND NATIONAL
20 THE FOOTBALL SEASON ENTERS THE FINAL RUN-IN
32 WORLD SNOOKER CHAMPIONSHIPS
Easter Weekend
3rd6th April 2026
As spring arrives and the days begin to grow longer, Easter marks one of the most important seasonal moments in the retail and hospitality calendar. For many businesses across the UK, the Easter period signals the start of a busier social season as customers begin gathering with friends and family again after the winter months. For retailers, pubs, restaurants, and hospitality venues, this makes Easter a key opportunity to refresh drink selections, create seasonal promotions, and capture increased demand over the long weekend.
The Easter weekend is particularly significant due to the two bank holidays, which provide customers with a rare extended break. This long weekend often
leads to higher footfall in both the on-trade and retail sectors as people take advantage of the time off to celebrate, host gatherings, or dine out. Many venues see an uplift in bookings, while convenience stores and off-licences often experience increased sales as customers stock up for family meals, social events, and celebrations at home. For businesses, having the right drinks range available can make a significant difference in maximising these seasonal sales opportunities.
Drinks trends during the Easter period often begin to shift as customers move away from heavier winter choices and look for something lighter and more refreshing. Crisp white wines, elegant sparkling wines, and fruit-
forward rosés tend to become increasingly popular as spring gets underway. Drinks such as Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, and Prosecco are particularly well suited to the season, offering freshness and versatility that pairs well with a wide variety of spring dishes. Retailers and hospitality venues that highlight these styles on shelves, wine lists, or promotional displays can often attract customers looking for the perfect drink to complement their Easter celebrations.
Food plays a central role in Easter gatherings, and drinks that complement traditional dishes can help enhance the experience. Roast lamb, a popular Easter centrepiece, pairs beautifully with medium-bodied red wines such as Merlot or Rioja, while
roast chicken or turkey is often well matched with rounded white wines like Chardonnay. Fresh seafood starters and lighter appetisers work wonderfully alongside crisp white wines, while rich chocolate desserts—another Easter favourite—pair perfectly with sweeter options such as dessert wines, ports, or cream liqueurs. Highlighting these pairings instore or on menus can help guide customers while also encouraging additional purchases.
The improving weather also encourages the return of lighter serves and spring-inspired drinks. Many venues use the Easter period to introduce refreshing cocktails and seasonal drinks menus that reflect the brighter, fresher atmosphere of spring. Classic serves such as Aperol Spritz,
Mojitos, and elderflower-based cocktails are especially popular at this time of year, offering customers something vibrant and easy to enjoy over the bank holiday weekend. Rosé-based cocktails and light spritz drinks also continue to grow in popularity as customers look for refreshing alternatives that suit the season.
For customers of Baby Bottles Wholesale, Easter represents a valuable opportunity to showcase a diverse drinks selection that meets the needs of spring trading. By offering a balanced range of wines, beers, spirits, and soft drinks suited to seasonal tastes, businesses can make the most of the increased demand that the Easter weekend brings. Whether customers are hosting family meals, celebrating with friends, or
3rd6th April 2026
Easter Weekend
simply enjoying a long weekend, having the right drinks available helps ensure retailers and venues are ready to serve every occasion.
As the Easter period often marks the beginning of the spring and summer trading season, it also sets the tone for the months ahead.
With warmer weather, outdoor gatherings, and a busy events calendar on the horizon, preparing early and stocking the right drinks range can help businesses maintain strong sales momentum well beyond the holiday itself. At Baby Bottles Wholesale, we remain committed to supporting our customers with a wide selection of quality products and dependable service, helping you make the most of every seasonal opportunity throughout the year.
Celebrated on 23rd April, St George’s Day is a great opportunity for retailers and hospitality venues to tap into a sense of national pride and boost sales with a British-focused offering. While more understated than other seasonal events, it continues to grow in popularity, particularly across pubs and local retailers.
For the on-trade, the occasion lends itself well to themed promotions and a lively atmosphere. Customers often lean towards familiar, traditional choices, making lager, ale, and cider strong performers. British spirits such as gin also work well, especially in simple serves like a classic G&T. Creating a “celebrate local” feel can help increase engagement and encourage customers to stay longer.
St George’s Day
23rd April 2026
Retailers can benefit by highlighting British products and promoting easy “athome celebration” options. Multi-buy offers on beer, cider, and popular wines can help drive basket spend, while clear in-store messaging makes it easy for customers to shop for the occasion.
For customers of Baby Bottles Wholesale, St George’s Day offers a straightforward but effective chance to run themed promotions, focus on British favourites, and generate additional sales during a busy spring trading period.
GRAND NATIONAL
9th - 11th April 2026
As one of the most iconic events in the British sporting calendar, the Grand National returns in April 2026, bringing with it a fantastic opportunity for retailers and hospitality venues to drive sales and engage customers. Held annually at Aintree Racecourse, the Grand National is more than just a horse race—it’s a nationwide social occasion that draws in both racing enthusiasts and casual viewers alike. For businesses across the UK, it presents a key moment to capitalise on increased footfall, social gatherings, and celebratory spending.
The appeal of the Grand National lies in its accessibility. Unlike many other sporting events, it attracts a broad audience, including those who may only place one bet a year or simply tune in for the excitement and atmosphere. This wide appeal makes it an ideal
event for pubs, bars, and retailers to create themed promotions and in-store experiences. Customers are far more likely to gather with friends and family to watch the race, whether at home or in a venue, creating a natural uplift in drinks sales across the board.
For the on-trade, the Grand National weekend is a prime opportunity to create a lively, engaging atmosphere. Many venues choose to show the race live, encouraging customers to stay longer and spend more. Drinks such as lager, cider, and easy-drinking spirits tend to perform particularly well during sporting events, while sharing options and pitchers can help increase overall spend per group. Creating simple promotions—such as “race day specials” or discounted drinks during the main event—can help drive both footfall and repeat
purchases throughout the day.
When it comes to product selection, versatility is key. Lager and cider remain strong performers for group occasions, while wines such as Prosecco, Sauvignon Blanc, and Merlot offer something for a wider range of tastes. Spirits also play an important role, particularly gin and vodka, which can be easily mixed into simple serves or cocktails. Offering a well-rounded range ensures that businesses can cater to different preferences, whether customers are celebrating a big win or simply enjoying the atmosphere of the day.
Presentation and merchandising can make a real difference during events like the Grand National. Simple touches such as themed displays, signage, or even race-themed promotions can help draw attention and create a sense of occasion. For hospitality venues, small additions like
sweepstakes, prize draws, or “pick the winner” competitions can increase engagement and keep customers in the venue for longer.
For customers of Baby Bottles Wholesale, the Grand National is an ideal moment to maximise sales through smart planning and strong product availability. Ensuring that popular lines are well stocked ahead of the event, and that promotional activity is clearly communicated, can help businesses make the most of this high-traffic weekend.
As the spring season continues to build, events like the Grand National play a key role in driving momentum for the months ahead. By preparing early and offering the right mix of products and promotions, retailers and venues can turn this iconic sporting occasion into a winning result for their business.
Promotion Dreams, Title Races & Survival Battles, The Football Season Enters The Final Run!
As the 2025/26 football season enters its decisive final stretch, both the Premier League and the Sky Bet Championship are building towards thrilling conclusions, with major outcomes still hanging in the balance.
In the Premier League, Arsenal have established themselves as the team to beat, sitting at the top of the table with 70 points after 31 games play. Mikel Arteta’s side have combined attacking quality with defensive consistency, giving them a valuable cushion heading into the run-in. However, Manchester City remain firmly in contention and, given their experience in title races, cannot be ruled out. Behind them, the race for Champions League football is incredibly tight, with Manchester United and Aston Villa closely matched, while Chelsea and Liverpool continue to push hard. With several
clubs still within touching distance, the battle for the top four is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent seasons.
At the other end of the table, the relegation fight is equally intense, with no clear separation between the sides battling to stay up. Burnley West Hame and Wolves currently find themselves in the drop zone, but a number of teams just above them—including Nottingham Forest, Tottenham and Leeds—are still very much in danger.
With only a small points gap separating these sides, every fixture carries huge significance, particularly as several of these teams are set to face each other in the coming weeks. Matches such as Tottenham versus Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa against West Ham could prove
decisive, turning the tide in what is shaping up to be a dramatic survival battle that may not be settled until the final day of the season.
Meanwhile, in the Championship, the fight for promotion is just as compelling. Coventry City currently lead the way with 80 points and a 9 point gap in the lead, with Middlesbrough and Ipswich Town close behind in the race for the automatic promotion places. The play-off positions remain tightly contested, with a number of clubs still in with a realistic chance of securing a top-six finish. The unpredictable nature of the league has been on full display in recent weeks, with heavy wins, surprise results and constant movement in the table keeping fans guessing. At the bottom end,
the battle to avoid relegation is also heating up, with clubs like Oxford United, Leicester City, Portsmouth and West Brom all scrambling for crucial points as the season nears its conclusion. As the final weeks approach, the storylines across both divisions are clear, but far from decided. Arsenal may hold the advantage in the title race, but Manchester City are ready to capitalise on any slip, while the fight for European places remains wide open. The relegation battle continues to involve multiple clubs, ensuring tension at the bottom of the table, and in the Championship, both automatic promotion and play-off positions are still up for grabs. With so much at stake and so little margin for error, every game now carries enormous importance, promising a dramatic and unforgettable end to the season.
WORLD SNOOKER CHAMPIONSHIPS
18th April 2026 - 4th May 2026
As one of the most prestigious events in the sporting calendar, the World Snooker Championship returns in April 2026, offering a valuable opportunity for retailers and hospitality venues to drive consistent sales over an extended period. Hosted annually at the iconic Crucible Theatre, the tournament attracts a loyal and engaged audience, with fans tuning in daily across its multi-week duration. Unlike single-day sporting events, the World Snooker Championship provides businesses with a longer window to capitalise on increased viewing and social occasions.
The nature of snooker makes it particularly appealing for both at-home viewers and on-trade venues. Matches often take place across the day and into the evening, encouraging customers to settle in, relax, and enjoy the atmosphere. This creates a steady demand for drinks rather than short
bursts of high-volume sales, making it ideal for pubs, bars, and lounges looking to increase dwell time and repeat purchases. Customers are more likely to stay longer, order multiple rounds, and enjoy a more laidback social experience compared to faster-paced sporting events.
For hospitality venues, showing the tournament live can help create a calm but engaging environment that appeals to a wide demographic. Easy-drinking options such as lager, ale, and cider tend to perform well, alongside wines and premium spirits for customers looking for a more refined experience. Offering simple promotions such as “match time deals” or discounts during key sessions can help maintain steady footfall throughout the day, while sharing options and table service can further increase spend per customer.
When it comes to product selection, versatility and comfort are key. Lager and ale remain staple choices, while wines such as Merlot, Shiraz, and Sauvignon Blanc offer accessible options for a range of tastes. Spirits such as whisky, gin, and vodka also play an important role, particularly for customers looking to enjoy a slower, more premium drinking experience. Simple serves such as whisky on the rocks or a classic gin and tonic fit perfectly with the relaxed nature of the sport.
Presentation and merchandising can help businesses make the most of the occasion. For retailers, creating small in-store displays themed around the tournament or highlighting “snooker night essentials” can help drive impulse purchases. For venues, subtle touches such as table signage, themed offers, or even friendly competitions can enhance the customer experience without disrupting the laid-back atmosphere that snooker fans enjoy.
For customers of Baby Bottles Wholesale, the World Snooker Championship represents a consistent and reliable sales opportunity throughout April. By ensuring strong availability on core lines, planning simple but effective promotions, and aligning product ranges with customer preferences, businesses can benefit from steady trade across the duration of the tournament.
As the spring season continues to build, events like the World Snooker Championship help maintain momentum between key calendar moments. With its long format and broad appeal, it offers the perfect chance for retailers and hospitality venues to keep customers engaged, encourage repeat visits, and drive ongoing sales throughout the month.
