The power behind the bar
Behind every great serve is a trusted voice and in the On‑Premise, that voice is the bartender.
Bartender recommendations don’t just influence choice; they can make or break drinks brands. When a bartender reaches for one bottle over another, they’re signalling quality, confidence and credibility in a moment that truly matters. For consumers scanning a back bar, that suggestion can be the difference between defaulting to the familiar or trading up to something new.
That’s why engaging frontline teams is so powerful. Bartenders aren’t passive distributors; they’re brand gatekeepers. Suppliers who invest in understanding what motivates them unlock meaningful advocacy. Training, smart incentives, and genuine relationship‑building are key levers that turn awareness into recommendation.
Unlock bartender engagement
| 88% of bartenders globally typically make a drinks recommendation every shift
| 95% of bartenders say the guest will order that recommended drink most times or more
BarSights is the largest study into hospitality professionals globally, surveying 1,750 hospitality professionals around the world, allowing for comprehensive insights into a crucial audience for you and your brands.
The study is strengthened by working with bartender associations, through capturing high-quality responses from committed hospitality recipients.
BarSights powers our Global Bartender Report, presenting an invaluable opportunity for beverage suppliers to connect with and drive advocacy among bartenders worldwide.
“In an increasingly competitive On‑Premise landscape, bartenders are the ultimate touchpoint between brands and consumers. Their endorsement can drive trial, spark conversation, and elevate the drinking occasion. Bartender research brings these insights to the surface, helping brands earn a place not just on the shelf, but in the serve and in the story told at the bar.”
Jonny Jones – Managing Director – On-Premise – NielsenIQ
Beverage success in the On-Premise
This report explores the insights, attitudes, and preferences that define today’s bartending community, revealing how brands can gain a competitive edge while building stronger, more meaningful relationships with the industry’s most influential professionals.
Drive advocacy of brands: Bar staff play an invaluable role in the consumer path-to-purchase and can be vital influencers of consumer decision making through their recommendations. This report will be key for ensuring staff are recommending your brands.
Unprecedented Insights: Gain a deep understanding of bartenders’ demographics, work experience, industry knowledge, and preferences, allowing for targeted strategies tailored to their needs.
Market Intelligence: Stay ahead of the competition by accessing valuable data on popular drinks and emerging trends, at both a global and regional level, as told by those who know the industry the most.
Optimize Engagement: Understand how best to interact with bartenders from online communities and engagement programs, to the role sales reps will play.
Strengthen Supplier-Bartender Relations: Understand how bartenders interact with suppliers, their sentiment towards brands, and drivers behind their supplier preferences, facilitating stronger partnerships and collaboration.
Ready to supercharge frontline advocacy?
Download more information about the Global Bartender Report 2026.
